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The Latest Bulletin

Joseph Rowntree Charitable Foundation – Sustainable Future

Joseph Rowntree Charitable Foundation – Sustainable Future

Climate change caused by human activity is threatening the well-being of humanity. The wealthiest countries and individuals are responsible for a disproportionate share of emissions, whilst the poorest countries and sections of society are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Similarly, our use of natural resources is unsustainable and unjust. Technological change is essential but not sufficient; fundamental changes to economic models and social norms will also be required, but there is not yet sufficient public or political consensus to make these changes. JRCT is deeply concerned about climate change and its effects, and believes that our care for future generations morally compels us to play a part in tackling it. We see it as both a…
Dr Neil Thompson
May 23, 2023
Spotlight – The Managing Stress Practice Manual

Spotlight – The Managing Stress Practice Manual

A much-needed resource in these pressurised times. Keeping pressures within manageable limits is a very demanding undertaking in these modern challenging times. This manual provides important practical guidance eon managing pressure and keeping stress at bay. Essential reading for all busy practitioners and managers. Available from https://neilthompson.info/shop/ or Amazon
Dr Neil Thompson
May 2, 2023
Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Step back from time to time

Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Step back from time to time

Busy people can easily get themselves into a whirl of activity that strongly resembles a hamster wheel – an awful lot of energy being expended, but not necessarily much progress being achieved. What can therefore be of great value is to take a step back from time to time and think about what our current pressures are and work out what is the best way of dealing with them. Can we change anything in the way things are currently working out? Can we deal with certain issues differently to ease or remove certain pressure points? Can we reschedule or reprioritize certain things? Do we need someone’s assistance or support in some areas? All these important questions can remain unanswered if…
Dr Neil Thompson
May 2, 2023
Connecting with nature changed my life

Connecting with nature changed my life

When I began going to ecotherapy sessions at my local allotment, I was in a dark and difficult place. I was chronically stressed, highly anxious and so burnt out that in work meetings and social gatherings I would cling on to whatever I could in case I collapsed. My head was awash with worry and my body was ready to fall apart. I was terrified and at war with myself – until ecotherapy, an outdoor therapy involving activities in nature, showed me a better way. “In my family, stress and exhaustion were synonymous with who we were and how we existed.” My road to burnout had been lifelong. In my family, stress and exhaustion were synonymous with who we were…
Dr Neil Thompson
May 2, 2023
ACAS – Tailored support for your organisation

ACAS – Tailored support for your organisation

How it works: You'll start by talking to an Acas adviser about the challenges you're facing and what you've tried already. They will work with you and your staff to put together practical solutions. They can also work with your trade union or employee representatives where appropriate. What we can help with: The support can range from a couple of days to a longer-term project, depending on what you need. We can: run workshops lead working groups and focus groups help set up an employee forum work with your management and staff representatives to solve problems Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
May 2, 2023
Men’s Shed’s Association – Volunteer Ambassador Programme

Men’s Shed’s Association – Volunteer Ambassador Programme

Our Volunteer Ambassador programme champions grass-roots development and teams up experienced Shed leaders with like-minded peers who want to start Men’s Sheds in their own areas. We equip and empower Volunteer Ambassadors across the UK to raise awareness of the Men’s Sheds movement and its life changing benefits, and share their knowledge and experiences with the next wave of Shed leaders. Our Volunteer Ambassadors are experienced Shedders who have a track record in setting up safe and sustainable Sheds. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
May 2, 2023
Spotlight – The Managing People Practice Manual

Spotlight – The Managing People Practice Manual

An organization’s most important resource is its human resource – its people. This wide-ranging practical guide puts the emphasis on the human – empowering employees to be resourceful. If you are involved in managing people, then you will find this to be an invaluable resource. Rooted in a clear theory base, but with a strong practical focus, it covers thirty different aspects of management practice. Available from https://neilthompson.info/shop/ or Amazon
Dr Neil Thompson
April 18, 2023
Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Beware of cloning

Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Beware of cloning

The importance of valuing and even celebrating diversity is now well established, but what is often not appreciated is that the process of ‘cloning’ can stand in its way. What this refers to is the tendency to feel more comfortable with people who are ‘like us’ (‘homophilia’ is the technical term), so, if we are not careful, we can find ourselves treading the same beaten path of relating to people similar to ourselves and thereby not getting the benefits of diversity and the enrichment it brings. For example, many businesses have suffered or even perished because they recruited ‘people like us’ and thereby developed a very narrow perspective that stood in the way of creative thinking, innovation and the ability…
Dr Neil Thompson
April 18, 2023