Phones to be banned in schools by law in England under government plans Education minister Jacqui Smith said the move would create

......We don’t need more evidence of harm and damage - we see that every day - we need action. 3/3

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Phones to be banned in schools by law in England under government plans Education minister Jacqui Smith said the move would create

.....(all phones locked away in pouches/held by school all day) are much safer, happier places to be. Young people tell me they love the break from the pressure; the comparisons; the bullying; the graphic content; the lot....2/3

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Phones to be banned in schools by law in England under government plans Education minister Jacqui Smith said the move would create

Perhaps we are getting somewhere at last. This ban is essential - as is a ban on social media for under 16s. I work with a number of schools and with so many teenagers/young people and see the need for these bans every day. Schools that have a phone ban....1/3

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

……when thinking about the journey. It has not be easy - at times I wondered whether I would make it through the journey - but I am here and feel so positive about the opportunity I have to use my lived experience to help others. Here’s to the next 4000! 2/2

Around 11 years ago, I was in the middle of a breakdown which left me in hospital and feeling utterly lost and in despair. Today, I just passed 4000 client hours as a psychotherapist/counsellor. I am feeling incredibly proud and grateful, and really moved….1/2

…..I know I need to take in some deep breaths and let the emotions flow - that helps relieve the sense of feeling drained and honours my feelings which are 100% valid. All feelings are 100% valid and need to be heard. 3/3

….. acknowledged enough), how draining that can be. I give a lot of myself to others (in work and outside) and am happy and proud to do that - but it takes a toil. I know I’m feeling it as tears and the feeling of being moved - often by words and music - are very close to the surface….2/3

Weekend walk reflection (still no running due to sore calf). It’s been a week of hugely varying emotions and experiences: pride; deep sadness; gratitude; anger; tiredness; anxiety; heartache; grief; remembrance, joy, to name just a few. It has struck me (something obvious but perhaps not….1/3

.....Sadly it looks like they have used my number (and photo) to set this account up - I am trying to (and so far failing) to have it taken down. It’s annoying but not that deep for me, but highlights the dishonest and disconcerting role that social media can play in our lives. 2/2

One of my teenage clients helpfully told me this week that someone has created a Snapchat account in my name (and using the AMJ initials from my counselling practice). I do not have a Snapchat account. I do not use Snapchat. If this account contacts you or anyone you know, it is not me...1/2

……of joy and inspiration. I feel so lucky to be able to play a small role in the lives of so many extraordinary people, who astound me with their courage as they navigate their complex lives. 2/2

Working as a psychotherapist/counsellor is a huge privilege. It gives me a constant source of challenge and a deep sense of gratitude for the trust clients place in me. There are many moving moments - several of which I’ve experienced this week - when it also brings me a profound sense…..1/2

…..It was very moving to attend the memorial (as I do every game I attend) before kick off at Anfield last night. It never goes away. YNWA. 2/2

It feels like yesterday, but it’s 37 years of loss, grief, pain and injustice for the families and so many others, including the countless who have died by suicide. Unlawfully killed. Unfairly blamed.….1/2

......and his wisdom that maintaining our mental health is an ongoing effort, every day, is spot on. A beautiful discussion between two very good souls. 3/3

.....on trauma, alcoholism, parenthood, the importance of love in our lives, and the positive role therapy can play for us. His famous letter to his son, Daniel, discussed with Patrick, never fails to move me....2/3

Fergal Keane: Reporting in conflict zones & being content | The Late Late Show YouTube video by The Late Late Show

Deeply moving interview with the brilliant Fergal Keane on The Late Late Show. Not for the first time, Patrick and a guest had me in tears with a sensitive and compassionate interview. I’m a huge admirer of Fergal and am so grateful for his openness and insights......1/3

youtu.be/ORIuImYHDE0?...

…..they highlight (once again) the critical importance of the need for real action on social media for children and young people, who are being damaged every day by its content. Her upcoming memoir sounds as brilliant as her other books. Ireland/the Irish (including me) are rightly proud of her. 2/2

Excellent interview with the brilliant @oneilllou in The Belfast Telegraph - an incredible writer. Her reflections in these piece on eating disorders and the toxic power of social media to push deeply damaging images and expectations of thinness and body image are spot on…1/2

The Food Programme - About the Girls - BBC Sounds A look at what’s driving the rise in eating disorders among teenage girls today.

......for recovery. I believe passionately in hope that recovery is possible for everyone. 4/4

www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

The Food Programme - About the Girls - BBC Sounds A look at what’s driving the rise in eating disorders among teenage girls today.

......to feeling there isn’t enough control in life. Eating disorders - in my experience with many, many, clients - is about feelings not food. I was very pleased to hear a contributor (who had an eating disorder) talk movingly about her hope and optimism.....3/4
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

The Food Programme - About the Girls - BBC Sounds A look at what’s driving the rise in eating disorders among teenage girls today.

......A good set of discussions and interviews, covering some key issues, but IMHO not enough was made in the programme about how often eating disorders are a coping mechanism for traumas (past and present) and trying to get control over something as a response....2/4

www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

The Food Programme - About the Girls - BBC Sounds A look at what’s driving the rise in eating disorders among teenage girls today.

This week’s BBC Radio 4”s, The Food Programme, focused on the rise of eating disorders among young women - which is featured in Radio 4’s “About the Girls” series, looking at teenage life (for girls) in 2026...1/4

www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

……that all my feelings were valid and that I didn’t have to filter my needs through the prism of how they might affect others. Meeting her was life-changing and is a big reason I am a therapist now. 3/3

…..early dates with Miss J when I was living here; This Is The Place (if you know, you know). Also the place of my first therapy (in Chorlton) - working with a wonderfully kind therapist called Anne. She taught me…..2/3

Finishing a few days off with a trip to Manchester with the girls (and Miss J’s mate). Being here always brings up such strong and positive memories: owning my first home; great friendships made and sustained; the 2002 Games….1/3

…trusted me to play a small part in their life. It’s 11.5 years since my breakdown and I couldn’t have imagined back then - and in some v v dark times afterwards - that I could help myself and then try to help others. It feels like an Easter miracle. If you’re celebrating it today, happy Easter! 2/2

Great walk this morning (still no running due to sore calf!). First proper outing for my new bonnet - nothing to do with Easter, just fancied a new hat. I was reflecting on my work on the walk - I’m approaching 4000 hours of sessions - and feel so grateful to every client who has…..1/2

……A world with more empathy and less judgment would be a better world for us all. Before rushing to pass comment, a few seconds of pausing might help us channel kindness and not criticism or judgment. 3/3

……. And yet, nobody - absolutely nobody - knows what is really going on for others and how they truly feel. It is impossible to walk in someone else’s shoes, even if we try. The best we can do is to be non-judgmental, open-minded, kind, and try to be empathetic.…..2/3