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Category Archives: Social care
How the media must mind mental health
TweetStephen Fry’s recent disclosure of his attempted suicide last year highlights that mental illness does not discriminate between the “haves” and “have nots”, the famous and the “ordinary”. None of us are immune from the feelings Fry described. The representation … Continue reading
Posted in Health, media & communication, Mental health, Music & arts, Social care, Uncategorized
Tagged health, mental health, music & arts
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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
Posted in Disability, Health, Learning disability, Social care, Third sector, Wellbeing, Young people
Tagged charity, disability, health, learning disability, older people, service users, third sector, young people
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“It’s important that while I’m having fun, Stanley is having a great time too”
Tweet Stanley Holes is, says his little brother Albie in the brief video diary above, simply “the best brother I could ever have.” Albie’s love for his 16-year-old brother is reflected in this short film which I just watched and … Continue reading
Posted in Disability, Education, Learning disability, Social care, Third sector, Uncategorized
Tagged charity, education, learning disability, service users, third sector, young people
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Puck, peppermint tea and posh frocks: my fabulous sister
TweetLearning disability charity Mencap has a marvellous blog, which features, amongst other things, some very personal contributions. The site recently featured a lovely and touching piece from journalist and Mission to Lars filmmaker Kate Spicer on her brother Tom (he … Continue reading
Posted in Disability, Music & arts, Social care, Uncategorized
Tagged charity, learning disability, music & arts
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A different perspective on learning disability
Tweet A stereotype-shattering art project, which uses photography to counter negative mainstream attitudes towards people with Down’s syndrome, is showcasing the last eight years of its work. Shifting Perspectives Photographic Exhibition 2005 – 2013 is at the South Bank in … Continue reading
Posted in Disability, Social care, Uncategorized, Young people
Tagged charity, learning disability, service users, young people
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“People who have a learning disability have the right to good services, choices and a good life”
TweetIf only more people had the chance to develop in confidence like Laura Minett. Laura, who I interviewed for a Guardian social care piece today, works as an expert by experience. Her part-time role through the charity which supports her, … Continue reading
Posted in Disability, Employment, Learning disability, Social care, Uncategorized
Tagged charity, employment, learning disability, service users
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Disability history: “I quite clearly remember being tied to the cot sides”
Tweet“I quite clearly remember being tied to the cot sides,” recalls Florence, now in her 70s, of the childhood she spent in hospital. “Literally, two wrists tied to the cot sides with cotton tape so as I couldn’t get up … Continue reading
Posted in Cuts, Disability, Education, Olympics, Social care, Social exclusion, Uncategorized, Young people
Tagged cuts, education, schools, service users, young people, youth
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Buddies: social skills for children with special needs
TweetMaking eye contact is difficult for Mason Milne, who has autism, and making friends is even harder. Yet the 11-year-old has met both challenges while at a special needs holiday club near his home in Colchester, Essex, over the last … Continue reading
Posted in Learning disability, Social care, Social exclusion, Uncategorized
Tagged learning disability, schools, young people
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Why I always had time for George: older people and mental health
TweetI’m walking across the grounds of the psychiatric hospital on a very wet winter evening and a patient, let’s call him George, steps out from behind a bush to talk to me. He needs to tell me something that he … Continue reading
Posted in Mental health, Older people, Social care, Uncategorized, Wellbeing
Tagged health, older people
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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 cuts, health, housing, learning disability, local government, older people
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