Category Archives: Health

Tailor-made technology: systems and support in social care

TweetJulie Heightley was so worried about her son Thomas suffering an epileptic fit at night that for two years she slept on a camp bed outside his room. The broken sleep and constant supervision of Thomas, who has autism and … Continue reading

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On loss and learning

TweetI have lost too many friends and service users through suicide over the past 30 years. We examine our consciences to see if we could have done more to prevent such deaths, that’s a normal human reaction. It’s what empathy … Continue reading

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The season to be jolly?

TweetHooray, it’s Christmas! Yes, the season to be jolly is upon us once again. But that’s OK because everyone loves Christmas, right? Well, I’m not a fan and I know I won’t be the only one shunning the Christmas cheer, … Continue reading

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Self-harm: the power of talking face to face

TweetSelf-harm has always been a taboo subject and in my many years of mental health nursing probably provided more challenges than anything else for me. It touches at the very core of who we are and how we deal with … Continue reading

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Bricks and mobility: buildings and disability history

TweetA gap in a church wall speaks volumes about the history of disability in England; lepers’ squints allowed people with leprosy to see the pulpit and hear the service through a small chink in the stonework, without coming into contact … Continue reading

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Prevention, partnership, proofing against the future

TweetWith less than six months to go before councils adopt responsibility for public health from the NHS in April 2013, much depends on successful collaboration between cross-sector agencies. As the date approaches, the latest Guardian public health seminar gathered together … Continue reading

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The next generation of social entrepreneurs?

TweetAmid the talk of troubled families and approaching the anniversary of the 2011 summer riots, it’s tempting for many to pigeonhole young people as feckless and hopeless. A Europe-wide project, however, aims to encourage a new generation of social entrepreneurs … Continue reading

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Sticking plasters, surgery and spending reviews

TweetA damp squib of a sticking plaster, or what health secretary Andrew Lansley has said is the “most comprehensive overhaul [of social care] since 1948” and an end to the care lottery? Most early reaction to today’s long awaited care … Continue reading

Posted in Cuts, Disability, Health, Housing, Learning disability, Local government, Older people, Social care, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off

“People aren’t cases, they’re individuals”

TweetDebbie Walker is “a guardian angel”, according to Julie Mason, whose 86-year-old mother, Elizabeth, has Alzheimer’s. Two years ago, when Walker, a Sheffield Council care manager, met them, Elizabeth’s care involved daily agency staff plus Julie and her sister as … Continue reading

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The science of the sofa

TweetIs there a science to sitting on the sofa? Any benefit to being on your backside? An art to sitting on your arse? An innovative new project by one of the country’s leading artists blends science and art in a … Continue reading

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