A guest blog post by Jolyon Kimble of APCO Worldwide. Last week we held a discussion on leadership with two remarkable leaders. One was Lord Browne, former boss of one of the world's biggest energy companies. As many people know, he's white, and a man. The other was Alison Lowe, Labour Councillor and head of a mental health charity in the north of England. Alison is black, and a woman.
As Winter sets in, Refat from Touchstone's Support Centre offers some advice on taking the best care of ourselves in the cold weather. I’m sure by now you have all pulled out your winter clothing and bedding, prepared and ready for the cold winter weather ahead; dreading the mornings when we have to wake up half an hour earlier in the morning to scrape the ice of our car window
20th November is Transgender Day of Remembrance - a day to look back at Trans people's struggle for acceptance and particularly to remember those who've lost their lives because of the intolerance of others. There are two remembrance services planned in Leeds for the day, one at the Leeds General Infirmary chapel from 11am to 1pm and one in Sovereign Square in the City Centre from 8pm. Research by Transgender Europe shows
Naseem Tariq (manager of Touchstone's Long Term Condition and Diabetes Programme), speaks about World Diabetes Day, and ways to manage or avoid the condition: Today is World Diabetes Day, which has grown every year to become a globally-celebrated event to increase awareness about diabetes. It is proving effective in spreading the message about diabetes and raising awareness for the condition. The theme of World Diabetes Day, from 2014 to 2016 will
Islamophobia Awareness Month by Ruqayyah G, CBT therapist Touchstone IAPT Islamophobia or anti-Muslim racism is the prejudice, hatred, or bigotry directed against Islam or Muslims. Islamophobia is when someone is targeted (including Islamic institutes and organisations), discriminated against or excluded in any way, due to their actual or perceived Muslim identity. It also includes prejudice that promotes fear against Muslims and Islam which further perpetuates an unsavoury climate of hatred. Islamophobia
Today is national stress awareness day and to highlight this important day our colleague at Geraldine M has written this wonderful piece. Stress Awareness Day I heard a comedian talking about how normal it is to talk about feeling stressed… that we say ‘I feel so stressed at work’ or ‘my children make me feel so stressed’. If we said my work or my family life makes me feel unhappy
As Winter starts to return, we're republishing some of the tips that our Winter Wellbeing Cafe came up with last year - to help you keep healthy and safe through the cold months. 1. Eat more fruit and veg to boost your immune system, including prunes, kiwi fruit, other greens and carrots. Also make garlic part of your diet as this has protective properties. 2. Exercise three times a week, this
Continued from Partnership In Action Part 2 As my 2 months shadowing CMHT have come to and end, it seems fitting to relay all I have done, achieved, learnt and the great outcomes that have come from co-production between CST and CMHT. An overview of my time seems a great way to start off, which included supported the team during MDT (Multidisciplinary Team) meetings every Monday morning. I also attended
Continued from Partnership In Action Part 1 A further update from the CMHT Partnership, from Anna Simpson: 11th July - Attended the team meeting, discussed first were Causes for Concern,. The workers discussed SUs who are unwell at the moment and need flagging – similar to the CST Red/Orange/Green Traffic Lights. In the meeting are the clinical leads and the consultants so workers can get their opinions and extra support
Coming out - speaking the truth that we're not sure others want to hear - it's a courageous act. What reaction will we meet? Celebration, condemnation, curiosity or indifference? Will people stand by us, or will they walk away? Will we, maybe, inspire someone else to have the courage to speak their hidden truth? What we can be certain of is that the moment we stop hiding who we really