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Homelessness data

Homelessness data

This presents available data and empirical evidence on homelessness, focusing specifically on how it affects people in high-income countries. Homeless people are among the most vulnerable groups in high-income countries. You can read our entry on Extreme Poverty if you are interested in a broader perspective on economic deprivation and a perspective beyond high-income countries. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
May 4, 2022
Spotlight – Anti-racism for Beginners

Spotlight – Anti-racism for Beginners

There is no room for racism in a civilised society. The recent surge of interest in anti-racism is very much to be welcomed, but we have to guard against oversimplifying some complex and sensitive issues. This book, from the author of Anti-discriminatory Practice and Promoting Equality, provides an important foundation of learning that will be helpful for anyone committed to a genuinely anti-racist approach to practice. Available from here or Amazon
Dr Neil Thompson
April 8, 2022
Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Getting too comfortable

Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Getting too comfortable

It can feel really good to be comfortable, to be out of danger, with no significant hassles at that particular time. So, it can be very appealing to enter what is often called the ‘comfort zone’. But, ironically, there are dangers involved in getting too comfortable, in being too keen to stay in that warm and cosy place. It can stop us learning; discourage us from being imaginative and creative and thereby block innovation; and at times it can also make us complacent. So, rather than get too used to our comfort zone, perhaps we should think of it as somewhere we return to as a safe haven after we have allowed ourselves to go beyond it and be a…
Dr Neil Thompson
April 8, 2022
Dying Matters calls for change

Dying Matters calls for change

Right now people are dying without the support they need. Since the start of the pandemic, it is estimated that almost 70,000 people have died at home without access to specialist care. That's why Hospice UK and Dying Matters have been calling for the Government to give end of life care the attention it deserves. Along with our friends across the sector, we have been making great strides. But there's still more work to be done. Together, we must call for meaningful change so that everyone dies #InAGoodPlace. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
April 8, 2022
Five neurodiversity myths that must be challenged

Five neurodiversity myths that must be challenged

Here’s why there has been a surge of searches on Google for neurodiversity – according to Naomi Humber, Head of Mental Wellbeing at Bupa: Neurodiversity is a term that explains the different ways we think, process information, and relate to others. Neurodiverse employees can bring unique skills to their role, such as problem solving, spotting trends, creativity, and data analysis. Where you sit on the cognitive spectrum is unique to you. Whilst most people think and act in a way that society perceives as the ‘norm’ (neurotypical), one in seven people are neurodivergent. This means they behave, think and process information in ways that are different to most other people. Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and Tourette’s syndrome are all…
Dr Neil Thompson
April 8, 2022
Seth Godin’s blog – Re-calibrating

Seth Godin’s blog – Re-calibrating

When an entrepreneur gets funded, it’s often difficult for them to start spending money on assets–the old limits fade slowly. What used to be smart is now dumb. What used to too risky is now the safe thing to do. When someone gets older or is injured, one of the dangers is that they’ll fail to realize that they can’t do the things they used to do in quite the same way. And graduating from college means that you probably can’t maintain the lifestyle you used to have… Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
April 8, 2022
Two free e-learning courses and 50% off ‘The Social Work Finishing School’

Two free e-learning courses and 50% off ‘The Social Work Finishing School’

In recognition of World Social Work Month, I am making two of my e- courses available free of charge: Promoting Employee Wellness (https://bit.ly/promotingemployeewellness) and How to Lead a Team Under Immense Pressure (https://bit.ly/immensepressure). In addition, I am making my The Social Work Finishing School course available at half price. Information about the course is at www.SocialWorkFinishing.School and you can sign up at bit.ly/finishingschool50, using WSWM  as the discount code. (Only valid until 1st April 2022)
Dr Neil Thompson
March 23, 2022
Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Values are not set in stone

Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Values are not set in stone

Values are, of course, a key factor when it comes to working with people. Values shape our (and other people’s) thoughts, feelings and actions. However, we have to be careful not to oversimplify the situation in relation to values; we should not allow them to become fixed and rigid and dogmatically apply them across the board when perhaps a more nuanced approach is called for. For example, there can be clashed between different sets of values that can be difficult to reconcile. Critically reflective practice means that we need to have a flexible approach to our knowledge base – and much the same can be said to apply to our value base. At one unhelpful extreme we have a lack…
Dr Neil Thompson
March 23, 2022