Chuffed to be on this list of LGIU's top 25 thinkers in local government with others I admire hugely for their ability to drive change for & with citizens. Together we can pull the plug out of the tepid bath of managed public service decline ⁦@LGiU⁩ lgiu.org/publication/lgius-t…

#Oliverscampaign My heart bleeds for the autistic man who was mauled to death by a tiger after entering its enclosure The horrific name calling directed at him says so much about how disabled people continue to be viewed & devalued by some in our society

My first one in yonks! It was good to dust off the blog pen again. With thanks to Chris Swarbrick for the wonderful artwork neighbourhoodcares.wordpress… @PaulTrustWorks @bannon_ashling @ProfDonnaHall @John_A_Wade

#Oliverscampaign My heart swells with pride

What a fantastic opportunity to work with Hilary & her amazing team!

The look of man who, for the first time in his coddled 66 years of life, just had the briefest of glimpses of the real world. Plenty more where that came from I sincerely hope.

Winter in Teesdale

Like Narnia here today ❄️

This is post number 25 for National Care Leavers Month. Each day I post something from my archive relative to the subject. A nation is like a family and family is like a nation. It is as simple and complex as that. I know my people and I am known to my people and I say this as one who was lost. I first came to Ethiopia in 1995. The BBC documentary Internal flight came on that Journey. A boy born in Lancashire, stolen from his mother, brought up in Wigan who migrated to Manchester found his way to Ethiopia. But it was much more than just one journey. I was not going back to my roots. I was searching for my family. There is a difference. I had to tell my story so that the conditions of my disappearance could be fully understood. Slowly slowly through documentaries and interviews made here in Ethiopia by curious Ethiopians, and legends of broadcasting such as Meaza Birru on Sheger radio, my story was translated and heard and became known throughout the country. The Ethiopian baby stolen from his mother, fostered to English Christians then thrown away into institutions at 12 then left by the institutions at 18 with no one and no explanation had to fight his way back into his story and wear it regardless of whether he wanted to. I fought a system determined to forget and erase me. And I found evidence and I returned to Ethiopia with that evidence at 29, an acclaimed poet. I didn't know what my name meant. In my mother's tongue. it means 'Why'. How could I not be a poet with a name like Why. The story continues. There is so much joy now. A nation is like a family and family is like a nation. It is as simple and complex as that. Photo taken by John O'Rourke on Entoto at sunrise.

Then came November Winter's slow kiss Night draws in to her Frost claws summer's lips Photo by Vladmir Srajber

Closing day 1 at #ncasc25, ADASS President Jess McGregor and ADCS President Rachael Wardell OBE join Professor Donna Hall to discuss place-based leadership, community cohesion and the vital role of the workforce in connecting with communities.

This is my 23rd post for National Care Leavers Month. Each day I post something from my archive relative to the subject. But today is different. Can you help me find someone. Please. In 1972 a Scottish couple fostered a baby and saved her. She is now looking for the couple to thank them. It means a lot to her. The birth mother recalls meeting them at The Red Cross Office in Edinburgh in 1972. She does not have any details about the foster mother BUT recalls that the foster father was a surgeon (possibly a neurosurgeon) AND that couple had a brown skinned adopted son, which would have been unusual at the time. Please help me find them on behalf of my friend. Please share this post. Especially if you are in Scotland. Image by Geralt

If you’re out for a walk this morning, you couldn’t ask for better company than @RachelLaw2014 and Gemma Murphy! Catch the latest @MutualVentures #RadicalReformers podcast. @poss_Abilities @ProfDonnaHall

Across the UK, #adultsocialcare is in crisis. This week, #RadicalReformers brings you a rare social care success story. @aglaird talks to @RachelLaw2014 & Gemma Murphy @PossAbilities, an adult social care social enterprise based in NW England: mutualventures.co.uk/post/ra…

This is a huge problem. The arrogance of some “professionals” who can’t believe anyone could possibly question them & their actions. Hubris should be identified as a massive red flag 🚩 at recruitment. Well done 👏🏻 Paula for your dignified invitation.

Going up the River Fal, 1950’s. Happy child. No wonder I lived on a houseboat in London

#OliversCampaign I contacted 30 of the top organisations who receive millions in public funds to support autistic people &people with a learning disability Many have histories of abuse & neglect, yet most in this group still haven’t started The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training

When it comes to public service reform, public services have been experiencing “delivery paralysis”.In this article, @ProfDonnaHall & @aglaird explore why this is and what can be done about it. mutualventures.co.uk/post/wh… #GettingStuffDone

For many adults, #autism diagnosis isn’t about a “cause” - it’s about recognition, understanding & the right support. In our Adult Autism Pathways report, people told us about their experiences with local services. Read the full report: bit.ly/46zxPiB

Delighted to see Sandra McGregor and Alastair McKelvie from Westhill Community Resilience @Aberdeenshire recognised at #InspiringAberdeenshire Awards. Quietly and respectfully, the community supports people seeking asylum, with kindness and compassion 🦋 #UntoldStories