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How to talk about race at work

How to talk about race at work

The importance of inclusion and awareness of race disparities in the workplace are not new subjects for most. The killing of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests brought into sharp focus the extent of racial disparity across all walks of society, and introduced less familiar concepts such as anti-black racism, allyship, anti-racism, white advantage and black lives matter. People have been learning about the realities and lived experience of many, and as they do, they are experiencing feelings of guilt, anger, fear, confusion and sadness. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
October 11, 2022
Autistic children with imaginary friends have better social skills

Autistic children with imaginary friends have better social skills

Imaginative, or “pretend”, play in childhood is important. It offers opportunities for social interaction as well as the chance to learn how to understand social signals and the minds of others. A common form of pretend play is the creation of an imaginary friend, and research with neurotypical children has found that children with imaginary friends tend to show better understanding of the mental and emotional states of others, greater focus on the mental states of friends, and superior communication skills. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
October 11, 2022
Environment sector has failed to become more inclusive, study suggests

Environment sector has failed to become more inclusive, study suggests

The environment sector has failed to act on its ambitions to become more inclusive, suggests new research that finds just one in 20 organisations are enacting plans to increase ethnic diversity. According to a sector-wide survey, out of 44 environment charities, 84% had considered or were taking action over a lack of inclusion, but only 4% said they had a consistently implemented action plan. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
October 11, 2022
Spotlight – Your Social Work Journey

Spotlight – Your Social Work Journey

Journaling has become a very popular activity for many people in many settings. Much of the reason for its popularity is that it gives helpful opportunities for exploring our thoughts and feelings about important issues that affect us. It serves as a useful sounding board for dealing with issues that can be confusing and disorientating. Beginning a career in social work is, of course, a major undertaking and a significant life-changing step that should not be made unthinkingly or without adequate preparation. It is for this reason that this journal has been developed. Available from https://neilthompson.info/shop/ or Amazon  
Dr Neil Thompson
September 27, 2022
Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Don’t assume you are wrong

Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Don’t assume you are wrong

Some people can be quite dogmatic and stick to their views despite evidence and argument to the contrary, and that of course is not helpful. However, it can also be problematic when some people go to the opposite extreme and simply assume that they are wrong whenever they encounter any resistance or disagreement. What is needed, of course, is a balanced approach. Being dogmatic does not help, but nor does abandoning your views prematurely. Being open minded is essential, but that need to include being open to the possibility that you were right all along. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
September 27, 2022
Social Farms and Gardens – Growing well together

Social Farms and Gardens – Growing well together

We guide, inspire, advise, showcase and represent hundreds of groups and organisations right across the UK. We love giving practical support like site visits, training courses and networking events. If our members want guidance on important areas like employment issues, or governance training, or site design, or if they simply want to know the best way to build a raised veg bed, we are there to help. Through our Community Land Advisory Service, we are also able to offer support and guidance on land and planning issues. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
September 27, 2022
The rise of cyberbullying – How to address harassment in the remote workforce

The rise of cyberbullying – How to address harassment in the remote workforce

Close to one-third of American workers have stated experiencing abuse in the workplace. According to the 2021 Workplace Bullying Institute (WBI) U.S. Workplace Bullying Survey, a staggering 73% of workers are aware that this type of harassment takes place. Knowing this, it begs the question: Why hasn’t anything been done? It turns out, when the perpetrator in question is also in charge of signing your check, confronting a workplace bully becomes more difficult. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
September 27, 2022