My interview with Scotland’s most outspoken anti-drugs campaigner:
‘We have a lucrative addiction industry in Scotland that’s been a good earner for middle-class people who don’t really believe in recovery. Much of this is based on class’ heraldscotland.com/news/2089…
Sad and frustrated to see opposition to routes to rehab (and recovery) thriving in the writing of academics. Some cannot accept we need every tool in the toolbox. Thank heaven there are other influential voices out there.
Peel off the 'leadership' label. This is essentially about people. How we interact, empathise, care equally about each other. With curiosity, love, understanding. And how we remember that social & economic policies are constructs which can be changed to be more equitable & fair.
It's one thing to not be seen or heard-- but it's another thing to not be LISTENED to, especially by the people who should, by rights, be interested in what you have to say, what you need, who you are.
*Who* does or doesn't "see" us really matters, especially growing up.
When someone opens up to you about their mental health, don’t feel like you need to give advice. Simply validating their feelings, listening, and showing that you care can be huge help.
WHY are we trying to have a systematic approach to Well-being? Well-being is not a thing to do or measure! No wonder people roll their eyes at Well-being courses being thrown around.
Working till 4am to meet funding deadline, not to mention the long hours earlier in week by a number of people!
Welcome to our world (is this what we want from grassroots services to survive even when demonstrating vital impact)? @AConstanceSNP @NicolaSturgeon@BrianWhittle
This dead hand of managerial bureaucracy combined with the cold, icy clinical hand of the NHS has resulted in a moribund system unable to respond to the change needed.
Those offering solutions or speaking truth is frowned upon/ignored. The abuse of power & control is more than ever despite the rhetoric of shifting resources upstream, lived experience, grassroots, collaboration
A shame we can’t have grown up conversations & real action 😢
Heart breaking - I’ve been in this honkey tonk merry go round for too long. Loused it up with complexity @scotGov#drugdeaths The dead hand of bureaucracy 🥲
Could not agree more. So slow to issue funds to Charities that are doing outstanding work in local communities. Sustainability to ensure breakthroughs can be continued is not part of their plan. Strip it back as it is just one big Echo Chamber.
When will this short term funding end & if something is clearly working why wouldn’t you scale it up? How frustrating & unacceptable in potentially losing valuable staff- grateful to support from economic development whilst awaiting outcomes from multiple funding applications