Racial & ethnic groups the wider disparities Anyone working in healthcare will know among racial and ethnic groups there are always wider disparities…… Black mothers experience postpartum depression more than any other group and Black women are 4x more likely to die in childbirth than other groups. The release of the Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework for Mental Health Trusts and Providers (PCREF) Is designed to address disparities in healthcare outcomes, access, and experiences. Like all frameworks, they aim to promote equality, eliminate discrimination, and improve the quality of ..read more

Always hypervisible! The idea that success is a ‘one size fits all’ approach and not trusting your instincts or that something can be done in a different way is harmful and exhausting. If like me you are highly emotionally sensitive to people and situations. One of the reasons for this is that being the ‘only one’ or the first one in a team or work environment will make you hyper-visible! This may show up as, and this list is not exhaustive; Always getting work DONE, even if it means no work-life balance. I never missed a deadline! Your inbox is immaculate and you will always respond in a ti ..read more

Kitchen ceilings As I rushed around, frantically grabbing the final presents. I couldn’t help but wonder why I always ended up in this chaotic situation. Every year, I promised myself that I would be more organised and avoid leaving everything to the last minute. But here I was, on Christmas Eve, stuck again in the dreaded traffic with all the other last-minute people like me! Just as I was about to pull out of the crowded car park, my phone rang. “There is water pouring through the kitchen ceiling,” came the panicked voice on the other end. I knew I wasn’t far from home, so I suggested go ups ..read more

Holding onto past hurts As humans, we often indulge in the practice of holding onto past hurt in the form of grudges. A grudge is the manifestation of harboured anger, bitterness, resentment, or other negative feelings that persist long after someone has caused us pain. However, the practice of nursing grudges is less about the person against whom the grudge is held, and more about the individual holding onto the negative emotions. Last week in Kinship, we explored how we could move into 2024 ‘Limitless’ without carrying some of the soul wounds within us. The psychological aspects of the uncon ..read more

Belonging Uncertainty Our sense of belonging in school and at work has been shown to directly affect academic grades, performance and mental well-being. Throughout history, social connections and group membership have been critical for survival, so it is natural to question whether we fit into new environments. The experience of questioning whether we belong, or ever could, is known as belonging uncertainty. Adler emphasised the importance of relationships and being connected. “The outside world shapes our consciousness, as does the world of the family” Studies show that when somethi ..read more

What is gaslighting? Gaslighting is a specific type of manipulation, where the manipulator is trying to get someone else (or a group of people) to question their own reality, memory or perceptions. It may start out with seemingly small offences or microaggressions! But, the problem is that even more or less insignificant instances of you questioning your own judgment or reality and thanks to the deliberate intent of someone else it can snowball. You can end up in a cycle of not being able to negotiate your daily life in a way where you are clear-minded, can focus, make sound decisions ..read more

The Power of Rest Rest is intrinsically powerful. It allows the body and mind to rejuvenate, repair, and regenerate. For workaholic superwomen, juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, rest isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. It aids in maintaining physical health, fosters mental clarity and balances our emotions. More importantly, it can significantly improve productivity and creativity, making it your true superpower. By getting enough rest and replenishing your energy levels, you are giving yourself the same care and attention as you give to others! The benefits are manifold: a ..read more

What is the one pressing problem you want to solve? Last week Friday, I spent the day with some of the powerhouses in the DEI, anti-oppression and equity space (many of whom I know from LinkedIn) to reimagine how to create an equal world. Thanks to #MissionEquality Sharon Hurley Hall (she/her), Lea Jovy-Ford AJ Singh who led a Taskforce of incredible thinkers and disruptors. The power of connectivity, created an energy in the room which was quite extraordinary. The aim of this session was to create a paradigm shift to eradicate systems of oppression and reimagine how we can approach real-world ..read more

Who experiences imposter syndrome? It is a phenomenon or experience that occurs in an individual, not a mental disorder. Impostor phenomenon is not recognised in the DSM or ICD, although both of these classification systems recognise low self-esteem and sense of failure as associated symptoms of depression. If you are neurodiverse or struggle with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity, especially alongside other traumas. Perhaps, you have been described as having imposter syndrome? For some Imposter syndrome may never leave you. It is completely debilitating, especially alongsid ..read more

Neurodivergence at work Wouldn’t it be great if we could fast forward to a point where we don’t need labels. Where we have more flexibility, inclusion and understanding in educational and work cultures. Where teachers, leaders, line managers and colleagues understand that one size does not fit all.And, people leaders know in practical terms how to get the very best from their people. Commonly, I am asked to recommend a way of working to support neurodivergent employees to adapt to neurotypical structures, approaches or ways of thinking! But, if we really want to create a culture of belonging ..read more