Taking the Flak

I was reminded on several occasions this week, that when involved in local politics, you need broad shoulders.

The words of poet John Lydgate come to mind.

“You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time”.

I believe you shouldn’t even try.

I am often in receipt of confidential information and asked to take action, and it is my ability to retain that confidentiality that has attained the level of trust I have hitherto enjoyed; building up a reputation for fairness, and taking into account all of the facts before making up my mind in any situation. This can be uncomfortable for those who rely heavily on being seen to have someone ‘on their side’. I may well be, but I will not be bullied into saying so, until the appropriate time.

People will make up their own minds, interpreting a situation to suit their own agendas. This is only human nature.

I have recently become familiar with a raft of adjectives not usually used to describe me, and have been asked to make assurances about things not within my control.

The public are a fickle bunch, with short memories much of the time, and very long ones if they feel let down; moving swiftly from applauding you one minute, then vilifying you the next, largely dependent on whether or not they think you are doing what they want, at that time. I use the word think intentionally.

Expectations are high when it is increasingly difficult to deliver the goods, but one must strive to do the right thing, no matter what the circumstances.

Having one’s judgement and motivation questioned is not a pleasant experience, but one should not allow ill-informed comments to colour one’s own moral values.   

In being part of the process where decisions made have an impact on the lives of those one represents is not something to be taken lightly, or to be used for one’s own gain. I benefit greatly in not actually living in the areas that I act for, enabling me to take a completely unbiased view, remaining entirely objective. 

None of us is perfect but much of life comes down to the ability to clearly communicate one’s thoughts, words and actions. My style and results bear this out, but not everyone appreciates this. My aim is always to find out what people want, then to help them achieve their goal, however unrealistic it may be.

We are increasingly fettered by central government decisions and policies; taking the flack locally for doing our best in a bad situation. I can think of several recent examples, the provision of free school meals for reception classes and years 1 and 2 from this September, and also the current debate over free TV licences for over 75s.

These may be vote catchers, but there is often little extra funding attached to such initiatives, and if there is, it is often only for a limited period of time. 

There is also great frustration over the unacceptable flood situation in Somerset, where this week a major incident was declared; forgive the idiom, but we’ve been hung out to dry.

I shall continue to try to meet expectations, and if others feel I’ve got it wrong, then I shall just have to take it on the chin.

Grant for outdoor learning at Swanmead

As featured in Yeovil Press:

http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2014/01/22/grant-for-outdoor-learning-at-swanmead/

Rennard - Cunning Like a Fox?

As the Liberal Democrats tear themselves apart in the wake of the Lord Rennard saga, and await the outcome of his suspension from the party, this is a story that has yet to reach its conclusion.

I couldn’t help but observe that for all but an additional ‘n’ in his surname he could be Renard, French for a male fox, described as being sly and cunning.

However, I would not want to cast aspersions as to his sound character, as to date he has not been found guilty of the charges of inappropriate behaviour lodged by his former female colleagues.  

I for one feel that he has no need to apologise, if indeed he is innocent. In demanding such an apology, what is it exactly that his party are asking him apologise for? For having upset them sufficiently to have felt that they needed to make a complaint?

There are those that I work with, due to my bawdy sense of humour, who have said on occasion ‘If she were a man she’d be had up for sexual harassment.’ Fortunately that has not happened, but I am increasingly mindful of the impact my behaviour has on others, whether offence were intended or not.  

In my younger days I well recall being chased around the kitchen table by an elderly titled gentleman for whom I was the housekeeper at the time. I left not long afterwards, but not before he had let down the tyres on my car in revenge. However, it did not occur to me to report it, in part because I was in private employment, and whilst his advances repulsed me,  I admit to having a rather nonchalant approach towards unwanted sexual attention.

Far from being a shy retiring type, if I were ever to be on the receiving end of such an infringement of my personal liberty again I would be likely to return the assault, only much harder, or more likely say something along the lines of ‘Keep your hands off, you can’t afford me.’, thereafter ensuring I did not put myself in a position for it to be repeated.

In the case of these particular women, not being fully familiar with the exact nature of the advances or propositions, I feel that a swift upper cut would have done the job nicely, with a resulting black eye to prove it; in self-defence of course. That would not be something to sweep under the carpet in smug denial.

However, the real point is that in his position as the Chairman of the party he would have been able to yield significant power, and those lodging complaints would surely have been in fear of losing their jobs; which is unacceptable in any civilised society.

Sadly, this kind of situation is not uncommon, even if it does not normally dominate the national news. On a daily basis there are many who are harassed, or bullied, particularly in a work environment, with the perpetrator going about their dubious business in the full knowledge of the protection that their position of power affords them. Until we all take a firm stance it will continue.

ALL CHANGE – OFF YOU GO

 

There can be no doubt that we now live in a fast changing environment, but for most of us in paid employment the very term ‘change management’ can instil a sense of fear and dread, and quite rightly so.

Companies may choose to use whatever modern jargon they like but ‘change management’ has, for many companies, become a euphemism for redundancy, along with the words ‘efficiency savings’.

In the modern business world I can think of no instance in which enforced change, in terms of the way an organisation goes about its business, or in its efforts to become more efficient, can be effective without total employee involvement. By this I mean not just tick box consultation. Of course many of us are naturally resistant to any change, but in many cases this is born out of bitter personal experience, where is has all ended in tears for some, and apart from a temporary feeling of relief, a strong resentment in those that are left, wondering when and whether or not it will be their turn next.

Several years ago, in my role as a business advisor, I was asked by a company to lead a session for all of their employees on ‘change management’.

I began my presentation by outlining its key aims – ‘to enable employees to

consider ways in which we can work together to ensure a successful future in a challenging market’. So far so good. I then followed this up with one of many definitions of change management: the co-ordination of a structured period of transition from one situation to another, in order to achieve lasting change within an organisation.

I cannot believe just how naïve I was at the time.

Wanting to make a positive impression, and taking into account the diversity of the workforce, I used the humble potato to demonstrate how such an everyday foodstuff had maintained its market share, by continual development of its image, in a fast changing environment. This has been achieved by increasing its usefulness as food product, and by being adaptable in the wake of increasing competition from new products. Discovered by Sir Walter Raleigh during Queen Elizabeth 1’s reign, the potato has gone from being a dirt ridden tuber, that had to be dug from the ground before being peeled and cooked, right through to the ready washed varieties all bagged up and ready to go, to its transformation into many forms such as crisps, instant mash, croquettes, oven chips ….. that we are familiar with today. The list is endless.

To further illustrate my point I gave everyone that attended the session a freshly dug potato. Nice touch, I thought.

Not long afterwards the next wave of redundancies was announced, and everyone thought I was in on it.

I pride myself on my honest and open approach and felt a complete fool, diminished somehow in the minds of those I worked with. You can be sure I won’t be going down that route again in a hurry. In the case of one person, every time they see me they mention the potato.

Corrie Suicide - having control over your life

On seeing the significant amount of news coverage in relation to Hayley's suicide in last night's episode of Coronation Street, it is no surprise to me, as a local Samaritan, to learn that the organisation had a number of volunteers on red alert to take calls. It is of course an emotional topic, and one that volunteers are used to handling every time they are on duty, but would never, ever, become complacent about.
It is however, given Hayley's condition and the severity of her pancreatic cancer, not an unusual scenario.
With many of those in distress it is the feeling of not being in control that can sometimes be most frightening. By choosing to end their life there is a feeling of being able to influence the outcome, to determine when, where and how they might die. 
We also see the same situation with those who have eating disorders. It is to all intents and purposes, about having a say over your life when it seems unmanageable. 
What does happen is that the feelings are so intense there is often a lack of understanding of the distress it can cause to their loved ones. This is because they are not in a mental state to be able to rationalise their actions. Whether it is through illness, loss of a loved one, a breakdown in relationships, money or job worries, we all have our own breaking point. It is then that Samaritans come into their own, providing confidential emotional support, 24/7, without prejudice, to those in distress or despair.

Hollande adultery saga - not all it's cracked up to be

In the wake of the Holland-Trierweiler-Gayet saga, ‘move in with your mistress and create a vacancy’ might well be the modern day message for Oscar Wilde's much quoted saying, since poached by Sir James Goldsmith. 
The public seem to continue to have a fascination with other people’s sex lives, in a voyeuristic way, particularly for those in the public eye. Perhaps in the absence of our own satisfaction, the unveiling of such intimate detail satisfies.
In the case of Hollande, although there is much more open acceptance on the continent for the odd dalliance, this very public diversion will have done his political reputation little harm, as long as he is seen to keep his eye on the economy. Many of his compatriots will be thinking, 'there but for the grace of God go I'.
Whilst I do feel sorry for Mme. Treirweiler, her recent shunting aside in the stakes for Hollande’s affections is not entirely unexpected, given what has emerged about her relationship, or lack of it, with his children. Offspring can be very unforgiving when a parent chooses to replace their own mother or father with someone else, more often than not, thinner, richer, younger and presumably more nubile. In this case it would appear that the introduction of Ms. Gayet into the mix was entirely intentional.
Mme. Trierweiler's overdose is unlikely to have been with the clear intention to end her life, more a cry for help and attention. None of us likes to be replaced by a younger model, but it is hardly surprising, given Hollande’s advancing years; he will want to prove that he still has what it takes. As cruel as it may seem, what is probably bothering her more is the loss of status, financial stability and public humiliation. There's many a person that will sadly put up with intolerable behaviour for security; and many feel they have no choice. The sending of flowers and chocolates, having been banned from visiting her in hospital is in itself an indication of his lack of concern.
Why would any self-respecting woman want to be with such a man?

Hayley's Corrie death puts Samaritans on red alert

As featured in Yeovil Press:

http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2014/01/21/hayley-s-corrie-death-puts-samaritans-on-red-alert/

THE WI RULES OK

Whilst I’ve often been attracted to the idea, I’ve never been a member of the WI, mainly due to a lack of time, but also in part because I’ve never been much of a one for routine and rules and regulations. I do however get asked to address local groups on a regular basis.

On speaking to members of Tatworth WI this week, on the topic of ‘Red Shoes’, I gave consideration to the plans that had long been in place to get me there; booked two years in advance, confirmation in writing, follow up ‘phone call beforehand, parking place reserved, equipment check, timing to the minute, someone to welcome me  ..…. it all felt frighteningly well organised; scary and impressive all at once.

Tatworth WI was formed 86 yars ago, and with the WI as an organisation now about to celebrate its 100^th anniversary, it has long since shed its ‘Jam and Jerusalem’ image, largely due to the Rylstone WI in Yorkshire Calendar I would suggest.

Formed in 1915, during the First World War, to revitalise rural communities and encourage women to become more involved in food production, it is now the largest voluntary organisation in the UK, with over 210,000 members, belonging to 6,600 WIs.

With its focus on playing a unique role in providing women with educational opportunities with the chance to build new skills, and to campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities, it continues to play a vital role in our society.

I was impressed to find that in its early days the WI did much to break down social barriers, whilst during WW2 they pretty much waged their own war – on waste, with a culture of preserving food that would have otherwise been inedible. 

The WI also launched the Keep Britain Tidy Group in the 1950s and have over the years worked in close partnership with a range of organisations to develop special programmes, such as promoting regional sporting activities, encouraging active, healthy lives.

None of us will forget their meeting at Wembley in 2000, where on being addressed by the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair, some of the 6,000 WI members present showed their disapproval with a slow hand-clap as they felt he was using the occasion to make a party political statement. WI members will not tolerate behaviour they consider flouts their own values. On joining, members of the WI sign up to promoting the organisation’s fine aspiration; achieving fellowship, truth, tolerance and justice without consideration for religion or politics, treating all members as equals, whilst encouraging sustainable development, citizenship and volunteering activities, with education as the foundation for all of its functions. The organisation is disciplined, fostering responsibility, and providing the authoritative voice of middle England. Its members are unafraid to challenge and fight for what they believe to be the foundations of a decent society, based on sound values.

Whilst successive governments spout election grabbing headlines like ‘localism’ and ‘community’, the WI go about their business doing just that, with total commitment and loyalty, and without any government interference, a rare thing these days.

I would hope I could never be described as a politically correct middle class ‘do-gooder’, but the WI is a party I’d certainly vote for at election time.

It all sounds like a government in waiting to me.

Money, Money, Money

There can be few things more rewarding than giving money away, and this week I have had the privilege of giving away £5,000, in the form of five separate £1,000 cheques to each of the five schools in my division.

On being granted the money for allocation, at the end of last year, the choice of where to spend it was not a difficult one. As the former Chair of Somerset Schools’ Forum I am all too aware of the impact that reduced funding levels, over several years, has had on the ability of our local schools to deliver excellent teaching and learning with diminishing resources, and with a much higher level of responsibility.

Although I have no children of my own, sadly, as a long term governor of two Somerset Schools my involvement with young people has been significant. Through my own experience I am conscious of the effects that decisions about how we educate our children can have on their future development and achievement, and also the long-term repercussions that can result if we get it wrong. With the added complication of financial hardship, both within family units and at local government level, we also need to take into account the social issues facing us, with family breakdown now becoming the norm rather than the exception it was when I was growing up.

Anything that can be done to support schools in developing the knowledge and skills of our youngsters, particularly in a wider community context, can only be of benefit to us all. 

So, this week I have contributed my share of taxpayers’ money to a variety of schemes under the constraints of the Health & Wellbeing banner. Some of the money went towards the purchase of a greenhouse, so that pupils can grow their own vegetables. I can only hope that someone will show them how to cook them! Other schools in the Ilminster area have chosen to re-vamp their play areas, to explore new ideas for teamwork, with the aid of additional equipment, including the purchase of blindfolds to enable pupils to better understand disability, and also to extend the Forest Schools ‘out of classroom’ curriculum.

In Somerset we are fortunate in that we are largely a rural community, but many children do not have regular access to play space that they can take ownership of, or the opportunity to grow, and sell, their own produce. In running local healthy eating workshops some time ago I was delighted to be able to demonstrate that if children are involved in the preparation of what they eat they are much more likely to make sensible choices and are less fussy about what they consume. I still think we see too much of the nanny state syndrome, instead of providing the right environment for learning and achievement, and then allowing our children to make the choices, and mistakes, that will hep them to develop into fully functioning adults. As I get older I’m certainly keen to encourage this.  After all, it will be their contributions that go towards paying my pension, provided the age for entitlement doesn’t keep increasing!  

Why Teachers Do Not Need To Be Licensed

With the call this week by Labour's Shadow Education Secretary, Tristram Hunt, for teachers to be 'Licensed', I can only begin to imagine the uproar that will ensue. I have heard it described as being like an MOT.

I can see where he's coming from, but he's got it all wrong.

Yes, of course we should be absolutely clear about the standards required of our teaching staff, but I believe that a move towards licensing will only increase bureaucracy, and do nothing towards ensuring that this translates into better teaching and improved educational attainment for our children.

To pursue the MOT analogy, a car might have an up to date MOT, but this is no guarantee that the following day it won't break down. I know, it happens to me all the time.

As a long standing governor of two schools (both outstanding), I am fully aware of the increasing demands on teachers in relation to ensuring that the highest standards of teaching and learning are achieved. However, I do feel that in any well run school the approriate measures will naturally be in place to monitor performance levels, either by peer review, lesson observation, and of course the dreaded OFSTED inspection. It has also recently been brought to my attention that if teaching performance is not up to scratch parents will vote with their feet. There can no clearer indication than that of dissatisfaction. To my mind, when you stop learning, you stop living, and there is of course the argument that any self-respecting teacher would naturally want to continue to improve and develop their knowledge and skill base, presmably with a view to promotion at some point. A teacher who qualified 20 years ago would not be able to function adequately nowadays without development. Procedures are in place to ensure CPD (continuing professional development) but I think these are not always rigid enough. One way in which to resolve the issue would be to introduce performance related pay, rather than the current automatic incremental rise. Otherwise know as payment by results. However, this needs to take into account a whole host of other factors.

Teachers are now required to ensure pupil progression, but this is entirely different from attainment. Well motivated, smart kids, with good parental support and a stable family life will naturally find academic achievement easier. By contrast, children with mild learning difficulties, or worse, and with little other support, as keen as they may be, will find it much harder to demonstrate achievement, but it is the overall result that counts, and the recognition that there are other routes to achievement than just through the exam system, and a university place. In our society there is a clear need to recognise vocational skills. In this context we must find a way to acknowledge teachers in schools like Wadham, where pupils, of their own volition, praise the pastoral care provided, which can make or break a child's future.

In my own case, it was my primary school teacher, Mrs. Elizabeth Mary Sharpe, who put me forward for the public school scholarship, and with whom I maintained contact for the rest of her life. She was, and remained, my main source of inspiration, and although for a number of reasons I never went onto university, I am still, nearly 50 years later, the only person in my entire family who has achieved the minimum academic standard, and gone onto further education. Likewise, at a recent governors' day at Fiveways Special SchooI in Yeovil, I was present when a child with profound learning difficulties kicked his foot for the first time to indicate that he wanted the teaching assistant to continue to bounce him on the trampoline. Now that was an achievement, and yes, once again, it brought tears to my eyes. You cannot license that type of achievement. It is all down to perseverence and of course, attitude.

Watch Your Language

OK, I admit it. I swear like a trooper. It wasn't always the case, but at the tender age of 11 I was lucky enough to win a scholarship to public school, Westonbirt, and it was whilst there (before running away!) that I learnt to swear, albeit with a plum in my mouth.

There have been occasions recently when I have had reason to pause for thought in considering the language I use.

As 'plebgate' reached its denouement this week, with the truly shameful admittance by PC Keith Wallis that he had lied in order to obtain the resignation of MP Andrew Mitchell, after he swore in front of police, as a result of not being able to gain entry to Downing Street. Clearly, whatever it was he said, or how it was said, was deemed to have been sufficiently inflammatory to cause someone to seek revenge by lying. Whilst revenge may be sweet, in my own experience it only leads to bitterness.

The other recent incident that caused me to pay more attention to my bad language was when I was reported by a fellow councillor because of the language I was accused of using during a public meeting. My prompt response, on being told of this, was to say 'Whatever it was I'm supposed to have said, it will be true.'

What concerned me most however was that the person concerned, who I made efforts to identify, had not mentioned it to me directly. An alternative agenda maybe?

After much brain racking amongst those that had attended the meeting, it turns out that as far as anyone could recall, I had used the word 'bloody'. Now, if I know anything about myself, it is highly likely that it would have been my rapid response to the application of some daft rule or regulation, and I probably said, 'That's a load of bloody nonsense.'

Depending on your point of view, such comments may or may not have been deemed to be objectionable. However, in the spirit of proffering some level of remorse I contacted the councillor in question to apologise, and was sent away with a flea in my ear, amid comments about lowering the tone of the council by my behaviour. I took it on the chin, but cannot deny that I may have blasphemed under my breath.

The point is, whether or not I felt that my language was inflammatory, someone else did, as is their entitlement.

This has been a salutory lesson to me, to watch my language in future, and to ensure that those on the receiving end are not offended by it. No matter how unreasonably sensitive I feel they may be. When communicating, it is the response of the recipient that counts, every time. Lesson learned, although it will be an uphill battle for me to undo the bad habits of almost 50 years. The last time I tried to give up swearing was for Lent, and it cost me £70.

MORE SUGAR? No thanks, I’m sweet enough

On two evenings this week my dinner has consisted of..... not one, but two bars of chocolate, at 195 calories, and with 21.4g of sugar in each. That was my choice, a conscious one, as having left home at 7.30am, with little hope of returning until bedtime, I was on the run and needed a quick ‘fix’ between meetings. I confess to having second thoughts on finding that this is the equivalent of 5 teaspoons of sugar per bar, as I don’t have a particularly sweet tooth. As yet another survey reveals that now it is not fat or salt that is the arch enemy, but sugar, I am left wondering where all the fun in life has gone, as I sit at home polishing off the last of my Christmas goodies.

We’ve all got to die of something, and as with all things, a ‘little of what you fancy does you good’, but everything should be taken in moderation. It is the excesses we indulge in, often at a time of stress, that send us over the top.

I had always thought that after years of having sugar in my tea I would find it impossible to give up, but i found that it took a mere five days, and now several years on, I can’t bear even a sniff of sugar in my tea. Living alone, I doubt if I buy more than one bag of a sugar per year, unless I get into a rare baking frenzy, or am cooking puds for friends. The real problem, however, is the hidden sugar in many of the processed foods we are choosing to buy, largely as a result of our hectic lifestyles. In addition to this, thanks to the demise of domestic science classes in schools, there is a lack of skill when it comes to preparing a meal at home for all the family. Staples such as breakfast cereals are loaded with sugar, as are fizzy drinks, and also flavoured juice drinks. Not such a good start to the day then. Sugar is also present in everyday food stuffs, where you might not expect to find it, such as bread. It is this hidden element that is most worrying, where the big manufacturers heighten flavours by the addition of sugar, or worse still, chemical sugar substitutes.

The worst offenders though are the ‘low fat’ ready meals offered by supermarkets, where mistakenly, dieters, in a rush to kick start their weight loss campaigns and shake off the results of Christmas indulgence, think of such meals as the ideal solution to an expanding waistline. I’ve never been a fan of labelling or traffic lighting foods, but at least if I am going to decide to eat chocolate or a yummy iced bun, I know what I’m letting myself in for, and if I end up fatter and less healthy than I’d like, then at least I am doing it the full knowledge of the consequences of my actions.

WADHAM STUDENTS ACHIEVE SUCCESS

I really must stop crying in public. It is not becoming for a woman of my age.  I just can’t help it. Every time I attend Wadham’s annual awards celebration the list of achievements and accolades showered on its pupils just brings tears to my eyes.

Last year I was honoured to be the guest speaker, whilst this year I could just sit, in not too much comfort, and bask in the reflected glory of others.

In his introduction to this year’s presentation evening ceremony, head teacher, David Derbyshire recalled some of the great achievements pupils at the school, with the support of their teachers of course, had attained during the last year. For 2013 ‘A’ level results an impressive 48% of students had gained an A* or A grade, whilst for GCSE exams 68% achieved 5 or more with grades of C or above. This was a full 9% above the national average, and the highest performance in the County. Mr. Derbyshire also stressed the importance of the community partners that enable the school to continue to improve year on year, concluding that, ‘At Wadham we constantly explore new ways to improve the ability of our students to achieve their potential, empowering them to take their place in a rapidly changing world.’

His emphasis on team work was reiterated by guest speaker Michael Ive OBE, a senior government advisor and educational consultant at national level for Design and Technology. During his speech he emphasised the need to encourage rather than criticise, and for youngsters to discover their talent or interest, and just ‘go for it’. He maintained that persistence and practice was the key to success, citing Dyson as an example, and explaining the current importance of technology and design in understanding the ‘made’ world. None of us could fail to be impressed by the ‘Stairsteady’ handrail designed and developed by 16 year old Ruth Amos, to assist her grandmother in getting up and down stairs, and which has now gone into production and is available across the country.

He concluded his speech by reminding us all not to live our lives by someone else’s dream.

In addition to awards for progress and attainment, parents and other guests were treated to some fine performances by Charlotte Kingston, who sang ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’, and ‘Here I am’, sung by Sammii Tyali, accompanied by Isobel and Harriet Hoskyns, concluding with ‘Clown’ performed by Baaba Bentil-Tumi.

All in all, yet another example of just what local students can achieve with the right leadership and motivation.

Consultation - not worth the paper it's written on

For some time now amongst many organisations ‘consultation’ has been the buzz word. It seems that no decision can be taken without being seen to consult with the local population.

Given the poor response rates to most consultations, around 3% in many cases, I am of the opinion that the process is largely a complete waste of time and money.

Those that respond to consultation documents are by their very nature a self-selecting group, a bit like voters really. People that are happy with the status quo are not much bothered by the outcome. In my early days as a District Councillor, wanting to do well, I spent endless Saturday mornings ensconced in freezing village halls, holding my ‘surgery’ only to find that no-one turned up, or if they did, it would be within the last five minutes. I quickly learnt that if there is trouble brewing they’ll find me quickly enough, and that’s as it should be, being there when I’m needed.

In selecting those who make decisions on our behalf we should have sufficient faith in their integrity and objectivity to have confidence that they will make the best choices. That if the decision is not what we would want, then at least we feel our opinions have been heard and we understand the reasons for the decision. Isn’t that what our representatives  are there for? Do parents consult on every decision they make within a family?

We are in severe danger of over consulting when those who do not get the outcome they want the first time around call for yet more consultation. I know someone who has very specific views, and who asks as many people as it takes to find someone to agree with them, to validate their own fixed and intransigent opinions.

In the rush to promote ‘localism’ we are now inundated by surveys and consultation documents on everything from waste disposal to education. Often the forms are poorly prepared, ask leading questions, and take too long for respondents to complete. In addition, there is the increasing trend for these to only be available online, precluding many from having access. Call me a cynic, but I often feel that despite assurances to the contrary, those wanting to engage us in the consultation process have an end game in mind. To the practised eye this is evident by the choice of questions asked, and the phrasing of them; a bit like saying to a child ‘Would you rather have an apple or a bar of chocolate?’ No contest. Or, ‘You can have an apple or a bar of chocolate. If you have the apple you will grow up fit and healthy and won’t have to go to the dentist. If you have the chocolate, you will grow up fat, and all your teeth will fall out. Which would you rather have?’ The same basic question, but with a different slant.

We do of course always want our own way, and in order to get it we will often use the same evidence, with the odd omission maybe, to skew the outcome. It’s human nature to do so, but we need to be especially careful when those representing us need to remain as objective as possible, and be seen to be so.  

SUICIDE RISK FOR NEETS

The new year is always a good time for publishing survey results, and naturally there is no news that makes the headlines like bad news.

The fact that NEETS, those neither in education, employment or training, feel that their lives are not worth living, is not news, it’s history, and sadly something that continues to repeat itself.

Back in 2011, The Daily Mail, the dubious voice of middle England, stated  ‘We risk creating a generation without hope'.

It is little wonder that so many feel that way, when the gap between expectation and realisation becomes increasingly wider.

Many of those now reaching adulthood are the products of the ‘me’ generation, when we were led to believe we could have anything we wanted, that anything was possible, regardless of the consequences.

This generation are now reaping the results, and I would suggest it is the breakdown of family, in whatever form, that has been a significant factor in creating the current feelings of angst. Few of us are fortunate enough to sail through life without trauma and disaster of some kind, be it failing an important exam, money or relationship problems, health or work issues. Life is hard, and to bring up children believing otherwise is to do them a disservice.

It is however the support mechanism that is in place when the poo hits the fan that can make all the difference to the outcomes. I say this from the voice of experience, having been homeless, penniless, without work, coping with suicide, divorce, illness and more. There have been times when, without the support of friends, who to all intents and purposes became my family, I may well have buckled under the pressure.

What is important is that, before it reaches the point of no return, to believe there is still hope. That, to use a well worn cliche, there is light at the end of the tunnel, that things will get better. Once all hope is gone it is so much harder to pull back from the brink. I know from my work with Samaritans, and support of such organisations as Shelter, who provide a vital service to those in need in times of distress, that it is the feeling of having no-one to turn to in your hour of need, it can be impossible to see a way out. We all have our own coping mechanisms; there is no one size that fits all, but for those of us who are more fortunate it is incumbent upon us, in a civilised society, to recognise and try to understand the failings of others, to reach out, without being patronising, providing the support they need, not what we might want to offer. It is natural that when times are hard, as we have been experiencing in the UK in recent years, that we become insular, thinking only of ourselves and our own problems. I’m saddened when I hear people say such things as  ‘I don’t see why I should support that organisation or charity, because it’s not local…’. Yes, charity should begin at home, but when we can all wake up every day and say ‘I have a roof over my head, I am in good health, I have a job to go to, enough food to eat, clothes to wear, and I’m not being abused…..’ surely then we can find the time and energy to support someone else in crisis? That’s my new year resolution. There can surely be no better thing to give someone than hope.

Gilbert Ballieul - deceased 25 Dec. 2013 - Mon petit chou

Protectng the vulnerable in our society

Sadly, it came as no surprise to me to see front page headlines, once again, about the abuse of care workers in relation to the finances of those in their care. Unfortunately cases like those cited, whilst far from being the norm, are all too common. I well remember from my own brief time at MENCAP, staff buying ingredients to suit their own needs when taking college residents shopping for food to cook meals in their supported living accommodation.  I also recall an incident of a care worker buying clothes for themselves on a shopping trip, with the resident's own money. On a more regular basis, when carers are charged with accompanying those in their care on outings, to the local pub for example, it is not uncommon for the location to be of the carers' choice, and to see those residents with learning difficulties huddled in a corner, whilst the 'carers' are all having a jolly good time together. On a personal note, I was asked last year to support a young adult with learning difficulties, where concerns had been raised over finances. On digging deeper found that I myself was then put under investigation for Safeguarding issues, and was eventually told that if the person concerned chose to give their money away that was their entitlement. That's all very well, but where was the concern over possible coercion and bullying? Those with learning difficulties are amongst the most vulnerable in our society, and we must all be vigilant in protecting them, not just from those who care for them, but also in some cases, relatives who wish to take advantage. I would like to reiterate however, that there are many care workers and relatives of those with long term disabilities who offer support day in, day out, with the utmost care and consideration, providing a necessary lifeline, often in the most difficult circumstances, and with very little reward. They deserve our admiration, and we should be careful not to tar them all with the same brush.  

Heston's Healthy NHS Food - nonsense

It is no wonder that with the constant desire for us all to live longer that we are now in the situation where our ageing population, kept alive at any cost it would seem, are not responding to the vile pap served up in most hospitals, on plastic trays, as if they were transient passengers on an airline. Personally, although not quite ready to meet my maker, I'd much rather die while I'm still capable of knowing what day of the week it is, with a glass of bubbly in hand, and my favourite calorific snack as my last meal. Heston of course likes to get his hand into anything but, like Jamie before him, we must be careful that this is not just another headline grabbing stunt. I see that he is advocating the use of food enhancing flavours, known as 'umami', the fifth basic taste, by the addition of such popular flavourings as soy sauce, worcester sauce and ketchup. This would have been fine to my mind, were it not for the attention grabbing headline, that this would mean less salt is added. Both he, and those singing the virtues of this latest idea, seem to be missing the point entirely, as all of these extra ingredients are packed full of salt. We are all, in the end, going to die of something, but I for one would at least  like to have enjoyed my last meal. After all, prisoners on death row get to do so.