I saw these words on a wall of a centre for homeless people I visited this week. I think they display a realism and wisdom which is helpful for everyone seeking to help people in need. The centre helps people with some of the most complex issues imaginable. But I was struck by the perseverance and… Continue reading ‘If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you’ – rethinking kindness #1
‘The Ministry of Truth: a biography of George Orwell’s 1984’ by Dorian Lynskey [review]
When Donald Trump took his oath of office as US President in January 2017, his press secretary claimed the crowd present was the largest audience ever to witness an inauguration. Later, when challenged on what plainly seemed to be a lie, she described her statement as ‘alternative facts’. Over the next 4 days, sales of… Continue reading ‘The Ministry of Truth: a biography of George Orwell’s 1984’ by Dorian Lynskey [review]
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Ability, vulnerability and mental health: ‘The Edge’ [review]
This week it was World Mental Health Day. I was struck by the number of men I know posting on social media about their struggles with their mental well-being. Even just a few years ago, I doubt people would have been so open. And this weekend, I watched the film The Edge which is a documentary… Continue reading Ability, vulnerability and mental health: ‘The Edge’ [review]
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The poverty that creates knife crime
My community in south London lives in the shadow of knife crime. Young people have been killed on our street and the threat of violence continually affects the young people we know and care about. As a father of three children, including two teenage boys, I am more anxious than ever about their safety. Like… Continue reading The poverty that creates knife crime
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Understated inspiration – Citizen Clem: A biography of Attlee by John Bew [review]
There is no shortage of contemporary analysis about the depressing state of UK politics. But the best political writing I have read recently has been a biography of a politician who died over 50 years ago. Reading Citizen Clem by John Bew truly inspired me. Incredible career Clement Attlee had an incredible career. After growing up… Continue reading Understated inspiration – Citizen Clem: A biography of Attlee by John Bew [review]
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Brexit: leaving my tribe & re-joining the community – by Julian Dale
Are you in my Tribe? Before the Brexit vote, I spent several months trying to decide what was for the best. On balance, I decided that Remaining in the EU would be better. But then a weird thing happened. The nuanced decision that I had struggled to make suddenly became a certainty and Remainers became my… Continue reading Brexit: leaving my tribe & re-joining the community – by Julian Dale
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Painting My Protest – by Susan White
The Defence Security Equipment International (DSEI) is the world’s largest arms fair. Over 30,000 people attend from over 50 countries, including representatives from some of the most oppressive regimes in the world. It takes place in the docklands, in the East End of London. This area was the most heavily bombed part of the UK… Continue reading Painting My Protest – by Susan White
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How churches can avoid becoming strip clubs
Back in July 1878, the Rev E.T. Prust laid the foundation stone of Abington Square Mission in the centre of Northampton. The 1870s was an era when non-conformist missions made a massive impact in towns and cities in the UK. As well as Sunday services, many of these missions ran 'ragged schools' to educate poorer… Continue reading How churches can avoid becoming strip clubs
