Despite 12 green and white papers and five independent commissions over the last 20 years, successive governments have ducked the challenge of social care reform. Tackling the challenge of social care reform will require decisive political action and an appropriate funding settlement. Unless this happens, we will continue to have a system whose inadequacies undermine the NHS and leave many people without the care they need. Transformation is required to make the social care system fair and sustainable in the future. My views on Social Care Hello, my name is Nigel I live in Swansea and was diag ..read more

Keith Oliver Recently I was asked to speak at a virtual cafe organised monthly by StAn’s cafe based in London and supported by volunteers including some from the Museum of London. The October event was on Saturday 17 October and focused around World Smile Day. I was delighted that my friend Jess Shaw again agreed to co-present with me on the zoom and for the occasion I wrote this poem especially. I hope it achieves for you what it managed to for those who accessed it via StAn’s cafe either on the day or subsequently. SMILE Laugh and smile Stay awhile   Grin a smile Improves your profile ..read more

Chris Maddocks Since the world went into lockdown one of the most terrifying thoughts for people living with dementia has been the fear of being admitted to hospital. Unfortunately, on 28th July when I suddenly became unwell, I was admitted to my local hospital. During my 6 day stay I was moved four times, I was unable to get my Parkinson’s medication when I needed it and in one room I was left alone with only a bowl of hot water to wash with a cardboard commode to pee and poo in and arrange for the disposal myself. I know the doctors and nurses did their very best for me, but it was a lonely ..read more

Background Ronald Ferguson was born and brought up in north-west London, but now lives in Luton. He had a stroke in 2013 and in 2015 was diagnosed with vascular dementia. He has had several careers, including as a music producer. During the lockdown, Ronald took part in some Zoom sessions. During one of these sessions, Ronald suggested an idea that he had been trying to get off the ground for some time. He wanted people to write four lines on dementia. It could be poetry. It could be prose. And he wanted to see how far it could go. Ronald says, “I want to give people a chance to be free with t ..read more