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Homelessness a ‘major issue’ for employers, new figures suggest

Homelessness a ‘major issue’ for employers, new figures suggest

Homelessness is a “major issue'' employers must get to grips with, experts have warned, as government figures revealed that more than a quarter of those who are homeless or facing homelessness are in work. Of 263,720 households in England given support from local authorities because they were homeless or under threat of homelessness in the year to April, some 71,210 (27 per cent) had one or more individuals in work. The figures, from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, also showed that more than half of these households had a member in full-time employment. This equated to 14 per cent of all homeless households. Homelessness is a hugely complex issue, with the majority of cases the result of relationship…
Dr Neil Thompson
October 10, 2019
Black history month

Black history month

When we sat down to discuss the long list of potential themes and issues we could consider as part of this year’s magazine. We soon realised that for some time now since Black History Month started in the UK in 1987, a dedicated feature on the role and contributions of Black Women was long overdue and should be the focus for this year. Hopefully, we have achieved that aim and objective and that, You, the reader and wider public agree as well. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
October 10, 2019
The Managing Stress Practice Manual

The Managing Stress Practice Manual

Stress is increasingly being recognized as a serious problem in the modern workplace. In this practice manual, Neil Thompson uses his decades of experience of helping people tackle stress to provide a clear and helpful guide to the key issues and lays the foundations for a positive and constructive response to the challenges involved. This is an essential guide for anyone wanting to keep pressures within manageable limits. Available for purchase along with many other books by Neil here or from the Avenue Learning Centre here.
Dr Neil Thompson
September 26, 2019
Neil Thompson’s Lesson for Living – There’s no need to shout

Neil Thompson’s Lesson for Living – There’s no need to shout

Stereotyping can be seen as a very real danger when you consider how often we are fed inaccurate, distorted and oversimplified stereotypes by the media. There is therefore a very strong need to be ‘stereotype aware’ and try to makes sure as far as possible that we do not allow ourselves to be influenced by them. One such stereotype that I have come across time and time again is the assumption that certain people are likely to be hard of hearing and that it is therefore necessary to shout. Older people are a prime target for this type of stereotyping, but disabled people are not immune to it either. While the incidence of hearing loss is indeed greater in the…
Dr Neil Thompson
September 26, 2019
Call for 1m people to join UK’s biggest mass tree-planting campaign

Call for 1m people to join UK’s biggest mass tree-planting campaign

Volunteers are being urged to do their bit to stop the climate emergency by grabbing a spade and signing up for the biggest mass tree-planting campaign in the UK’s history. Plots in suitable sites around the country are being prepared for 30 November, when the Big Climate Fightback campaign will start with pledges sought from 1 million people. Local groups are being encouraged to run tree-planting events and councils are being asked for permission to plant trees on their land, or outside schools and other publicly owned properties. Businesses are also being urged to plant trees on their own premises if possible. People without gardens or the means to plant their own trees are being encouraged to spot potential sites and ask…
Dr Neil Thompson
September 26, 2019
Race, class and institutional prejudice

Race, class and institutional prejudice

Since 2017, Runnymede has been collaborating with the Centre for Labour and Social Studies to research race and class inequality in the UK and foreground a new way of talking about these issues so that: -      we build solidarity across struggles, sectors and movements -      we are better equipped to tackle structural race and class inequality The Race and Class Messaging Toolkit (2019) is an ongoing project aimed at providing language to build solidarity across difference and challenge ‘divide and rule’ narratives, for both advocates and the general public. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
September 26, 2019
‘To be recognised nationally was incredible’: How it feels to win a Guardian public service award

‘To be recognised nationally was incredible’: How it feels to win a Guardian public service award

One year on from winning in the housing category at the Guardian Public Services Awards 2018, Heart and Home’s award is still proudly displayed in the office for everyone to see. “I can’t believe it’s been a whole year! I don’t want our year to end now,” says Pip Yaxley, multiservice manager for the host scheme. Run by the Benjamin Foundation in Norfolk and Suffolk, the service pairs up young care leavers with hosts who can provide them with safe and supported accommodation as they make the transition to independent living. It matches each young person with a house in their local area, close to their established support networks. Hosts range from single people to couples and families, but the focus…
Dr Neil Thompson
September 26, 2019