By Dr Denise Tanner, Senior Lecturer in Social Work Department of Social Work and Social Care, University of Birmingham. “We need to recognise that beneath the headlines of the neglect of social care and the neglect of social care workers lies another neglect – that of older people.” Pre Covid-19 and the outlook for adult … Continue reading “Beneath the headlines: Are the older generation paying the price for neglect of social care?”
Author: Guest Blogger
Livelihoods on the line: Support needed for independent musicians and grass-roots venues
By Dr David White, Lecturer in Political Science School of Government, University of Birmingham. “It is not yet clear how the £1.5bn rescue package for the arts, promised by the government on 6th July, will be spent. For the musicians I spoke to the main concern was for the future of the smaller grass-roots live … Continue reading “Livelihoods on the line: Support needed for independent musicians and grass-roots venues”
Why Dogs Might Help us through the Covid-19 Crisis
By Dr Alison Broad, Director of Primary Initial Teacher Education School of Education, University of Birmingham. On March 11th 2020, The World Health Organisation declared covid-19 a worldwide pandemic. As the UK retreated into lockdown, for many of us our normal lives were changed in an instant. A very recent study, has looked at the … Continue reading “Why Dogs Might Help us through the Covid-19 Crisis”
Festivals cancelled: the substantial impact on local people and communities
By Dr David White, Lecturer in Political Science School of Government, University of Birmingham. “The UK’s music festival industry not only fosters artistic talent, provides opportunities for people to gain experience in a range of roles, and creates a much-needed sense of wellbeing for those that attend, it also makes significant contributions to the British … Continue reading “Festivals cancelled: the substantial impact on local people and communities”
Social care reform – Always Jam Tomorrow
By Professor Catherine Needham, Professor of Public Policy and Public Management Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham “When reform comes I hope it will start with how to build full and meaningful lives for people who receive care, and not just be about the demographic time-bomb and how to stop people selling their homes … Continue reading “Social care reform – Always Jam Tomorrow”
Under pressure: Children and Young People’s Mental Health, the hidden impacts of COVID-19
By Dr Gemma McKenna, Health Services Management Fellow School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham Originally posted as a blog piece for The Voice of UK Health Services Research (HSR UK). On the 18th March 2020, schools across the UK closed their doors. Children said goodbye to their teachers and friends, some for the … Continue reading “Under pressure: Children and Young People’s Mental Health, the hidden impacts of COVID-19”
Constructing a new reality: leadership lessons from other times of crisis
By Dr Madeleine Findon, Lecturer in Educational Leadership School of Education, University of Birmingham “…society must ensure that educational leaders are supported to be crisis-responsive by providing the preparation, resources and support they need to ensure their settings survive, then thrive as we construct the new reality together.” The longer the lockdown lasts, the further … Continue reading “Constructing a new reality: leadership lessons from other times of crisis”
The importance of the ‘great outdoors’
By Victoria Saunders, Lecturer in Primary Teacher Education School of Education, University of Birmingham “They have the freedom to make a mess, use their imagination and escape from the stress and anxiety of what is going on around them.” It is 6.10am and the first words I hear from my two daughters (aged 2 and … Continue reading “The importance of the ‘great outdoors’”
The beguiling simplicity of common sense
By Steve Gulati, Director of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Programme School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham “So, one person’s common sense could just as easily be another’s reckless risk. ” UK citizens have been told to use “good, solid British common sense” in the face of the revised COVID-19 lockdown rules. This sounds simple enough … Continue reading “The beguiling simplicity of common sense”
Mental Health Awareness Week: Why Kindness?
By Maureen Smojkis, Lecturer in Mental Health Department of Social Work and Social Care, University of Birmingham “We as individuals are worth being kind to.” Mental Health Awareness Week (18-24 May 2020) is co-ordinated by the Mental Health Foundation and focuses this year on kindness, chosen in light of the challenging situation we find ourselves in, … Continue reading “Mental Health Awareness Week: Why Kindness?”