I have just watched Monday’s Stephen Fry’s documentary about depression. It is vital that well respected individuals talk openly about mental health issues and the challenges people with conditions such as bipolar have to face.

One of the things which really resonated with me was how teenagers at a school reacted after listening to somebody with mental health issues. Their comments about how adults too often do not want to discuss issues and therefore attach a stigma to issues which need exploring.

It is always better to talk openly and especially to ‘enquiring minds’ that may quietly be having issues of their own. Surrounding adults’ inability to discuss subjects which make them feel uncomfortable only compounds their children’s problems. We ignore the small signs sometimes sadly at our peril.

It is not easy being a teenager in today’s society, so please find time to talk openly and support teens rather than be dismissive of cries for help…it may be more serious than you think.

 

 

 

Morning bloggers and fellow romantics, I posted my Valentine offerings on Friday but today my tip to express love for your loved ones is to think about doing something special for them…

Become first aid trained you may just help save their lives. So little to give of one’s self but it could be so valuable to those you care about and perhaps a perfect stranger that may one day need some assistance.

Yesterday, I attended my refresher course run my Steve Roy of Community First a local trainer. An excellent course, delivered well and well-worth the time and cost.

I have always believed at least one of each set of  parents should be first aid trained, to know what to do whilst waiting for an ambulance to arrive may make a vital difference to your child’s life.

As we discussed yesterday if one has a course of action when an emergency happens it helps prevent the panic and feeling of helplessness. Such a high percentage of accidents happen in the home so it makes perfect sense.

Steve advised that there are also  various First Aid Apps available to download on our phones i.e. St John’s Ambulance and Red Cross.

So, forget the roses and chocolates and do something really useful to express your love.

 

 

 

 

I suspect most women have a few funny stories of valentine’s days romantic gestures and disasters.

Although I come from a marketing background I still squirm at the advantage retailers take of men trying to impress or maybe make an apology to their loved ones.

I remember being taken to a very expensive restaurant where everything was heart shaped..as for the bill it nearly caused a heart attack but I was, after all, worth it!!

Today I tried my best to scare my local Postman, answered the door in my frumpy dressing gown, no make up and hair scrunched to my head…I think this frightened man had already worked out the huge box he was carrying of roses were clearly not for me!

I have however enjoyed the secret keeping as a very romantic young man (currently out of the country) had gone to a lot of trouble and no expense spared to ensure my daughter’s gifts would be here when she comes home from university. I have my eyes on the chocolates…I have no shame!

The last time I came close to being really in love, said man checked himself into hospital rather than have the planned valentine’s meal with me…I rest my case. A cad! I know he sometimes reads my blog…you know who you are!!

Another day, another fella, who rang on the hour every hour on Valentine’s Day checking to see if his flowers had arrived yet? That day the whole village for some reason wanted to knock at my door including the Jehovah Witnesses…the flowers did arrive eventually.

This year I will be spending it with the one I love…my beautiful daughter who has demanded a roast dinner and a sofa day of watching chick flicks…suits me as long as she shares those Belgium chocs.

To all those singletons out there don’t get sad it’s just another day… that you won’t be getting any flowers from the man of your dreams. Haha.

Seriously, don’t dishearten it is leap year. I have my eye on somebody rather special my close friends know who it is…he is super and an animal lover!!! Pass the sedation quickly.

 

 

So pleased to see the subject of male suicide is being discussed more openly in the media of late. Following extract from my forthcoming book on bereavement ‘Dancing in my Dreams‘:-

‘Society can often be extremely cruel and unforgiving on the subject of suicide. It is always seen as a somewhat selfish act, but the person who has decided this is ‘best for them’ may actually be doing it believing it helps ‘save/spare those around’. Whether at the time of making that decision they were in the right or normal frame of mind can vary and be debated for all sorts of reasons. Sadly this feeling may be momentarily but acted upon.

However, one of the few the bonuses of modern media; the death of a celebrity who has chosen to end their life certainly highlights in a positive way the contributing factors of depression, mental illness or other terminal illness and/or drug or alcohol abuse and dependency.

We all need to be proactive in encouraging our male friends and family members to talk more about their emotions and remind them they are loved and valued.

As a close friend reminded me recently when somebody we love takes their own life there are just so many unanswered questions.

 

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