How many times have you reflected on your reactions or decisions and wished you had known then what you know now? It’s now September 2020. Schools have reopened, there are suddenly more of us out and about, and yet we are still supposed to remain socially distant. For those commuters who have been enjoying a […]
health
Turbo-charged social prescribing
After the initial deluge of activity surrounding the UK government’s ‘lockdown’ in response to the coronavirus and the massive changes to life that incurred as a result, the attention of policy-makers has moved to the impact of the virus, the lockdown, and wider life around us. The great need to act and to achieve some […]
Common sense just isn’t that common
Just so you know this piece will end with an ask, a call to action. It won’t be hard, complicated, or academic. It’s an ordinary ask… but just make sure you don’t miss it! Logical, simple answers to problems and obvious observations are always worth making. You see, it is really easy to make sophisticated […]
Say it while you can! Kindness is a good response to poor mental health
This summer, I was faced with the tragic news that a friend had died, suddenly and unexpectedly. It would be fair to say the cause of death was a combination of depression, isolation, and a crushing of dreams.
The NHS long term plan: the chance of a lifetime?
Quietly, beyond the reach of scurrilous headlines, a review of the way forward for the NHS is underway. Quietly – maybe too quietly – this goes on, away from the partisan shouting around Brexit and the various fights going on within the Labour and Conservative parties. Maybe there is a political consensus – a place of sensible consideration: that we have an important asset in our health service, but it cannot continue into the next 70 years as it has done with its first 70 years.
The NHS – how far we’ve come in seventy years
Who would have thought that, at its birth 70 years ago, the NHS would still be standing today? That’s quite some achievement – and back in 1948, life expectancy was only 66 for men and 71 for women; 70 years later, it’s 77 for men and 81 for women. So, we’re certainly living longer now; […]
NHS pressures, faith organisations and community-based services – why won’t we use what’s already there?
Ten years on from the banking crisis and the start of austerity, cuts are still biting and the effects of real term reductions in spending are felt by most of us. Yet, we also know that the misuse of resources too has a huge effect – particularly when it comes to the NHS and social […]
Faith, Care and End of Life – Rubbing Along Together
Since the New Year, both my maternal grandmother and grandfather have passed away. It was not a sudden or unexpected thing and in many ways I believe there was a relief with them passing. I have to commend my mum and uncle for their relentless care and the navigation of our confused and unintegrated health […]
Surprised that faith has been endorsed by a Health Minister?
This blog was originally written by Daniel for the Huffington Post. I was delighted to hear Alistair Burt MP speak during the FaithAction Faith and Health conference last week and also pleasantly surprised that he didn’t shy from some of the thorny issues around faith. In fact, he confirmed my belief that UK society benefits […]
Tell me anything and I’ll show you how it’s health!
Much of the activity of faith-based organisations contributes to health and wellbeing. However, commissioners and health and social care professionals don’t always understand this, and faith-based practitioners often don’t recognise it themselves. I have to admit I do like to watch the odd romantic comedy, and like any firm funny film there is often a […]