Blog

When we were treated to the press conference in the garden at No. 10 in May 2010, I was lulled by the ‘together in national interest’ statements. There were various pundits talking about how Clegg and Cameron got on well and that it did not […]

In this guest blog, Marion Janner, director of Star Wards, talks about the role that volunteers can play in mental health wards. Introduction Mental health wards are tough places to be a patient but surprisingly enjoyable and satisfying to be a volunteer. There are a […]

The government is in the process of launching a series of consultations and public engagement exercises regarding the healthcare system. I have been in a number of meetings where officials have pointed out that the timing of these programmes, during the summer, is at best […]

As a partner of the Department of Health, at FaithAction we want to explore how faith groups can support and improve the health and wellbeing of their communities. You don’t have to look far to see the significance and prevalence of mental health problems in […]

Every Friday, I usually receive a news magazine that I subscribe to; however, a few weeks ago, it did not arrive. For whatever reason, my news and commentary was lost, and as I was busy ferrying kids around, I was not caught up with the […]

This weekend I was stunned when my nan, at the good age of 92, presented me and my sister with a copy each of the Great British Bake Off book as a thank you.  Now, we hadn’t done anything amazing and we certainly felt it […]

Before I am assailed by many of my colleagues from user-led and disability groups, let me come clean with what I mean by ‘independent living’. In this context, I am not thinking of the assistance which is given to those with physical disability to enable […]

Reviewing our work with the All Party Parliamentary Group on Faith and Society this week, I was struck by the main findings from our last year of work. It is clear to see how these needs are now reflected in work done both within FaithAction […]

In the past 7 months, I have encountered hospital services twice. Each time, I have been given a survey to complete.  One was after the birth of my son – definitely not a time when you want another piece of paper flung at you – […]

It’s getting hot hot hot!  Everyone is talking about the weather at the moment… the news, friends, colleagues… and me!  I called my 84-year-old Grandma yesterday to check that she was doing okay in the heat and that she was getting enough liquid and shade; […]