Tomorrow is Safer Internet Day so I am just flagging this to remind everyone to talk to their children. Or, if you are already working within education – to make use of this platform to talk to pupils tomorrow about safer usage of modern media.

I have worked with families who have encountered some of the less positive sides of modern technology which sadly includes cyberbullying and grooming. Be more aware of your child’s usage and ensure that something untoward isn’t happening within your own home.

In terms of bullying rarely do children open up and tell somebody but there are signs to look out for and the NSPCC website features signs and symptoms and excellent advice to parents.

Please read my latest article on Innovate My School’s website tackling the sensitive subject of cyberbullying.

http://www.innovatemyschool.com/industry-expert-articles/item/1670-how-schools-can-tackle-cyberbullying.html

Bereavement to some extent, or should I say death itself, still remains for some a taboo subject. This attitude really doesn’t help anybody who is going through the many difficult stages of bereavement.

My plea for today and indeed every day is not to ignore that somebody has lost a loved one but acknowledge it. There are of course no words but just to let them know that you are thinking of them rather than avoiding them will mean a great deal. My mother told me how people would cross the road to avoid speaking to her after my father died suddenly…unhelpful if not hurtful to say the least.

Bereavement can be especially difficult for teenagers when life is already challenging and stressful enough.

Innovate My School’s website is a brilliant source of information for those within education and I am privileged to write for them.

Please read my piece on bereavement with advice on helping pupils through their grief.

http://www.innovatemyschool.com/industry-expert-articles/item/1414-bereavement-helping-pupils-and-towards-recovery.html

 

 

 

I know this is classed as a somewhat old-fashioned phrase to some but it still rings true. In any relationship whether personal or business one has to be able to listen, share and respect the knowledge and views of one’s friend, partner or client…and as my Accountant brother reminds me ‘the client is always right even when they are wrong’ .

For many starting out in business they may be an expert in their own field but suddenly find themselves having to business multi-task and do their own writing, marketing and sales…and it isn’t easy.

My thirty minute read ‘The Circle of Success’ may be just the kindle book for the new freelancer to dip into and learn a few useful tips on customer engagement and avoid costly mistakes.

Available from Amazon

‘The Circle of Success’ Kindle by Annie Manning is an ideal book for anyone who wants to increase their business potential. Whether you are a first-timer or someone who has been in business for a long time, there is something for everyone in this book and all drawn from the author’s own experience of what works and most importantly what doesn’t.‘ Deborah Durbin Author and Journalist.

I have featured Noel Fitzpatrick before on my blog; having heard him speak at the London Pet show in 2015 and been so impressed, yet humbled by his encouraging words and dedication to his works in pioneering technology in treating animals.

He is indeed an inspiration to animal lovers and in particular any students working towards a career in veterinary.

Just watched this week’s program on catch up and without spoiling the content of the show for anyone yet to see it… yet again this amazing man made a beautiful quote;

‘Everything is possible…we just don’t dream big enough!’

What a man and what a great attitude to have.

Never stop following your dreams and as one of my younger friends says:-

Believe -achieve!

Keep working towards the goal it’s never too late.

 

 

There has been a great deal of coverage in the media of late about stress and how this affects us. I am glad to see that support charities like MIND for people who are struggling are now getting air space, recognition and awareness they deserve.

Life can be difficult, and even those we love can disappoint us at times. Somehow people forget that strong folk are also sensitive too and can get hurt and feel low. It has no reflection on our capabilities or intelligence it may simply be we have had enough and need a bit of support ourselves to get back on track. Additionally, the busy formidable coping ones within our circles will of course find it harder to ask for help, whereas others are asking and indeed taking all the time.

If we are people that are uncomfortable with confrontation we sometimes allow people to overstep the mark, and that stress we hold onto is not good for us emotionally.  At times it is better to clear the air and remind others to take responsibility for their actions too to achieve all round harmony.  Life is far too short and precious to argue or to be intimidated by the poor behaviour of others.

Freud was right about the talking cure though, it is good to talk and as my beautiful mentor and mother used to say, ‘people are important not material possessions’. Also, ‘If you are sensitive you live and experience life more, but you may get hurt along the way.’

I know a few very important and special people to me read my blog and I thank you for being my beautiful friends. January has been a challenge month for so many of my friends…so I remind you all that I am only ever a phone call away…

Aside of which it may be ‘your turn’ in our friendship… which I value greatly and has seen me through the highs and lows that life has dealt the past decade or so!

Remember: Friends are the family we choose ourselves eh girls? Have a great weekend.

 

This week I had an opportunity to visit Yawn Life a day facility for sociable adults with learning difficulties. The centre and services are a community interest company.

As one enters this calm and friendly environment you are met with delightful and professional staff who provide amazing care, social activities and encouragement for their clients. It is apparent from the start that the young adults are very happy and safe and enjoying all aspects of this social yet continued learning facility.

I was also privileged to meet and talk with Jeanette and Julie who run and founded this brilliant centre. An amazing couple of women who are extremely dedicated and passionate about what they do and this shows in the excellent service they provide, their happy team of staff and of course most importantly their contented clients.

Not only do they run an efficient and varied set of activities for their clients to take part in, they also offer practical support and advice to carers which is a godsend!  I came away from my visit very impressed and feeling somewhat humbled.

For more information, or, if you feel you can support them in some way please visit their website http://www.yawnlife.co.uk

 

Had a great evening at the Hackney Empire last night, a tribute to Shakespeare, brilliant compare actor Michael Maloney. Recording of ‘Friday Night is Music Night’.

Beautiful mixture of classical, jazz and chamber singing, provided by the BBC Concert Orchestra, National Youth Jazz Orchestra and the National Youth Chamber Choir.

Still haunted by those strings..amazing. My friend and I were in the second row and had a great view and experienced a really great musical event.

Can’t beat live music.

 

 

I am always in full support of awareness days to bring focused attention and acknowledgement of specific illnesses. However, there are very few families that will not have been touched by cancer.

We are continually seeing more and more positive statistics for recovery on certain types of cancers and why we must all support the fabulous Cancer research charities.

I reflected on some of my own family members that we have lost to cancer and one very special gentleman and a gentle man was my amazing stepfather Billy.

Oddly enough today is his birthday and I remember him with great affection and will fly the flag that not all step parents are bad as they do receive bad press, albeit some deservedly so too!

I also salute the amazing cancer support and caring nurses such as Macmillan who have cared for several of my loved ones, including Billy and of course our amazing Mother.

Cancer awareness.. yes I am aware.

 

I have been asked to help with awareness both for oesophageal cancer awareness and the great organisations that support and increase awareness. Information is power remember.

Too often people are fobbed off with indigestion diagnosis when something more serious may be the cause of their symptoms. I remember only too well when clearing my beloved mother’s house there wasn’t a handbag or drawer that didn’t have a well-know brand of indigestion remedies… when in fact she had cancer…don’t ask!

I have just learned of : The Michael Blake Foundation

Below is their piece about the awareness month:-

‘February is National Oesophageal Cancer month which was introduced by the Michael Blake Foundation. As a charity we focus on raising awareness in order to save lives. We are asking you all to help us with this year by sharing the symptoms below with as many people as possible and these are:
Difficulty in Swallowing, Weight loss, Pain or discomfort-In the throat or back / behind the breastbone, or between the shoulder blades, Acid Indigestion or Heartburn, Vomiting, Coughing up blood, Hoarseness, or chronic cough,
Please Remember: Contemporary treatments are improving all the time along with survival rates. So please, if you have any of the above symptoms do see your GP as soon as possible.’

Keep well, keep safe and my advice has always been ask the GP for a referral if not happy with their response, some GPs are more aware than others.

Stay positive; not every diagnosis is something sinister and if caught in time and with the right care there can be a positive outcome, but don’t ignore symptoms.

 

I try where possible to help charities with awareness, especially cancer associated ones and newer organisations dedicated to awareness and support.

February is oesophageal cancer awareness month.

As somebody who has had oesophageal problems in the past (but was lucky enough to get the right treatment), I am aware these issues so often get missed or misdiagnosed and why I support the OPA  (Oesophageal Patients Association):–

Helpline 0121 704 9860 9- 3 weekdays
email: enquiries@opa.org.uk

The OPA is a caring organisation offering advice and support to patients, carers and their families affected my oesophageal or gastric cancers.

They understand the fears and worries of undergoing treatement and help patients at whatever stage whether recently diagnosed or receiving longterm treatment.

Helping to improve quality of life for those suffering from these conditions.

Please visit their website http://www.OPA.org.uk for newsletters, latest news and to locate support groups local to your area.