Survival! A memoir

 " Now stewardship may be a fancy word, but it’s often used to mean holding something in trust. To me, leadership is all about keeping people’s words safe, and helping along the connections that foster a sense of community more explicit. I mean, look at the beautiful souls I've met along the way—Jo, Sam, Alex and of course Himself —they've been my rocks. They've kept me connected, lifting me up when I needed it most." You've likely heard the adage, "If you cannot change the situation, change your response to it." However, it's not that simple, particularly for those who cannot adapt to the disadvantages they face. Jo once said she thought I should rule the world. I laughed and replied that I wanted to lead it. Ruling is oppressive; leading is empowering. Even if we cannot change the situation, we can learn to articulate discrimination, disadvantage, and inequality more clearly. I deliberately draw attention to the cloud, not merely highlighting t...

You know that phrase 'undeserving victims'? Rubbish, if you ask me. It's akin to saying some poor souls actually deserve the misfortune they're dealt. As if it's their fault for not overcoming life's hurdles or shrugging off the daily dose of hatred they endure. Here's a shocking revelation: trauma survivors are far more likely to face abuse from people they know than from strangers. Most of these incidents occur in places like residential schools or care homes. The environment and culture in these institutions often shield abusers from scrutiny. When people dismiss bullying as 'boys being boys' or 'rough-housing' instead of calling it what it is—violence—they're essentially giving brutality the green light. Do you know who bears the brunt of this? Those who don't fit in. They become walking targets whilst everyone else either turns a blind eye or remains silent.   In the 1980s, we had vague notions of racism, sexism, homophobia, and ...

Memoirs have long been a powerful medium for sharing personal experiences and shedding light on societal issues. As deeply personal accounts they offer readers a unique perspective, allowing them to step into the author's shoes and gain insight into diverse life experiences. In this blog post, we'll explore several memoirs that tackle challenging topics and reveal truths about our world. This is what I learned on the subject: Exploring Personal Narratives and Social Issues 1. Institutional Negligence and Abuse Joe Gibson's "Seventeen" (2023) courageously addresses the sensitive topic of a teacher's affair with a student. This memoir stands out not only for its candid exploration of grooming but also for its critique of institutional responses. Gibson's account reveals how some organisations prioritise their reputation over addressing misconduct, turning a blind eye to protect their image. This reality underscores the importance of accountability and the ne...

Survival: Finding success after experiencing trauma  “I recall I was placed in a small chair in front of a line of men in suits, each asking me questions. While the questions themselves weren’t exceptionally difficult, my fear of failure made me stutter. I felt small, helpless, and afraid of what might happen if I said something wrong.”   https://amzn.to/3AqNt3H In a world where mainstream storytelling often marginalises or misrepresents the experiences of disabled individuals, *Survival* emerges as a powerful voice of truth. This book, written by a disabled author who has lived through the struggles and the challenges of biases that have long skewed our understanding of disability. *Survival” is not just a story; it is a call to action—a demand for authenticity in the way we represent disabled lives. This book dismantles stereotypes and defies the misconceptions that have too often shaped our perspectives. It is a candid exploration of the strength, resilience, and humanity o...

  SURVIVAL: A Groundbreaking Memoir “As I read it depression can be triggered, by lifestyle and circumstances, as equally as it can be a physical flaw. Nurture or nature?    If I had inherited a vulnerability, through repeated attacks my strength may also have been weakened by hate. While nurture can enhance well-being, so too can environments erode it.” A revolutionary memoir that gives voice to those who often go unheard in our society. This compelling work sheds light on the hidden experiences of disabled individuals, survivors of sexual abuse, and victims of domestic violence and hate crimes. Did you know that 10-25% of any given population comprises individuals with significant differences, impairments, or conditions? Or that many service users have experienced sexual or domestic abuse, yet professionals are rarely aware due to the private nature of these experiences? This memoir addresses the delicate balance between providing support and respecting privacy. It expl...

As Disability Pride Month unfolds, I find myself in a conflicted state. My pride isn't rooted in my shaky limbs, agonising condition, or sensitive nature. Instead, I'm proud because I keep telling my story my way, despite the daily onslaught of ableism. My journey to becoming a disability equality trainer wasn't carefully planned. It was a response to the prejudice and discrimination I faced, forcing me to confront some of life's toughest aspects. I once dreamed of being a dietician, fascinated by nutrition. But that dream was squashed when I was told I'd be expected to walk. Like many, chance shaped my path more than careful planning.   Trying to improve my CV, I volunteered and worked for free. But I quickly learned that even charities aren't always enlightened. Virtue and morals didn't equate to fair treatment. I remember going to the local Red Cross, only to be sat in a corner with a cup of tea. Another charity's director wanted to lay her "heal...