For those who are interested, a video of my keynote “Thrown against a sharp, white background: Access, inclusion and anti-racism in clinical psychology” is now available here, with the option of closed captions:
I stopped drinking alcohol at the end of 2018, because it was genuinely adding nothing to my life. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself. I marked 1000 days in my diary as a personal milestone and that day is today! 🎉🎉🎉
I read that the most dangerous aspect of COV-19 would be society’s response. And look: racism, selfish panic-buying, theft from hospitals and dismissal of the most vulnerable, as if they can’t read, aren’t present, and don’t matter. A sickness that is already in our society.
@BorisJohnson
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve tested positive. Many of us have similarly mild symptoms but no access to tests. Many others have severe symptoms and no access to tests. NHS workers have inadequate PPE and no access to tests - thereby risking their own lives and the lives of others
I want to reiterate that, in my firm and very longstanding opinion, it’s both unethical and fruitless to run positive action initiatives such as mentoring schemes (subjective empowerment) without simultaneously addressing systemic barriers & inequities (material empowerment).
This is the final straw for me. The government have acted slowly, shambolically, with opaque, self-interested decision-making processes & confused public comms. This has led to one of the highest global death rates. Now, they prioritize defending DC over the health of the nation.
@seyiakiwowo
The victim narrative, the passive voice. No.
Shall we correct it? “White supremacist is charged with murder after killing two people who were protesting against the shooting of an unarmed Black man, in the back, by a police officer”.
@elifg22
Wow. I’m so glad that the disease that has robbed me of so much has made me cute. Really happy that people have spent their time researching this rather than, I don’t know, how to diagnose and effectively treat people with endometriosis.
Trying very hard not to swear here but how, by any metric, can this government be PROUD of their record on poverty? Callous, self-interested, and unfit to govern.
The Prime Minister’s boast at
#PMQs
having been told of a child eating cereal with water because their parents couldn’t afford milk should send the country into outrage. If you share my anger RT this widely
Endometriosis excision surgery done & home in bed. As I came to the surgeon said it was a “really worthwhile op bc it was v nasty in there”. Pain under control & clever anaesthetist gave me 1st ever GA without hideous vomiting. Feeling positive & ready to rest & begin recovery 💗
I have never, ever headed towards the end of the year so exhausted. I literally have nothing left, and have been running on fumes for longer than I can remember. It’s not just me - everyone is exhausted.
This is not sustainable.
@elifg22
I would like to see a substantial body of research into the impact of misogyny and sexism, ageism, transphobia and heteronormativity on access to effective treatment for people with endo AND on their experiences of being diagnosed and treated.
Bursting with pride for my husband. Redundancy in the midst of the COVID pandemic & ongoing pandemic of anti-Blackness could have crushed his spirit. And it definitely touched his spirit. But he focused like a laser & has got a new job 🎉 As per our daughter’s decorations, 🌟
I really needed a rest after finishing work for Christmas. Instead, I’ve been really ill in bed since last Tuesday - finally got COVID test back and yay, all I got for Christmas was COVID.
My 8 year old:
“I saw on the news that Black Lives Matter are protesting in Brixton against Black people being killed. There were so many people - Black, white, Asian - and children”.
How does that make you feel?
“I feel pride, because it means that people like me matter”.
Reading my timeline tonight is v upsetting and frustrating. Whilst I can understand some of the motives behind HEE’s decision, I’m deeply concerned about pathways into Clin Psych for minoritized candidates, & particularly feel for those who’ve already embarked on funded trainings
Yesterday I wrote part of a book chapter, summarizing outcomes for Black people in England/the UK, across policing, criminal justice, economics, employment, education, health & mental health, from a vast body of research & reviews. It was harrowing. Britain is not a model on race
Love is my husband making me a hot water bottle every night during a flare-up, and a morning cup of tea in bed, every day that he gets up first (which is most days). After 16 years together these gestures of care are as meaningful as ever 💗
@adri_holmes00
Look at your little face! We love to see it. I totally back it being a choice to have camera on or off, but always grateful to see some faces when teaching.
In his 20s my dad survived a horrific car crash. The steering column penetrated the underside of his chin at great force. He lost all his teeth & an eye & had substantial reconstruction. Today, my dad turned 80. The most vital, active, humble & zen person I’ve ever known. Legend.
According to Cressida Dick, 25% of those stopped & searched are in possession of “something they shouldn’t be carrying”. Clever wording - spans a gun to a bit of weed. So 75% of searches result in nothing. Her claims of searches being “intelligence” based are laughable.
I could list 100s of examples. The man who masturbated at me when I was 11. The cops who kerbcrawled me & a friend on our way home. The man who threatened to run me over in his car for not stopping to chat, as I ran for a train with my tiny baby on my chest. But I’m tired.
My aspie brother had his birthday today, in lockdown (he lives alone, miles from me). A neighbour knocked on his door and the whole estate had turned out in the car park, with cake & banners, to sing a loud, socially distanced happy birthday. I got a bit choked up on our zoom!
@_tornaydo_
@wakeyfaxfan
@codesheffield
Good for you Naomi - I’m really impressed with how you stood your ground, you must have been so frightened, angry & upset. I’m so sorry that you & your friend went through the assault & intimidation & hope that appropriate action is taken. You should be very proud of yourself
@MarcusRashford
@Chartwells_UK
@educationgovuk
The food supplied is both insufficient in quantity & of appalling quality. Children relying on it will be malnourished. Supplies must include veg (fresh & frozen), fruit & grains, not foods that are highly processed, packed full of sugar & salt & lacking in key vits & minerals
It’s been one heck of a year, and it’s taken its toll. Taking some time away from work & Twitter over the festive period, to hunker down with family. Jan - March will be very difficult for us in the UK I think, & we all need to replenish before then. See you on the other side.
@Hayley_Barlow
@DrFuraha_Asani
This is really upsetting. Universities have a duty of care to our students. How are we protecting the health and well-being of our students if they’re living in such terrible conditions and having to access foodbanks?
I’ve repeatedly noticed that, when people post their legitimate concerns about pollution, congestion & dangerous driving caused by LTNs, they’re roundly attacked - with the effect of silencing. Added to the dismissal of community concerns by councils, it’s not a pretty picture
Post-COVID physical rehab has been ongoing since Jan. Started with breathing & tiny walks. Gradually introduced longer walks, Pilates & gentle dance. Cycling from March, weights from April & yesterday I did my first HIIT session since early Dec. A massive milestone! Boxing next..
Pre-COVID, I barely broke sweat during HIIT session ending on 50 burpees. 3 weeks into infection, couldn’t walk up the drive. I rely on exercise to manage a longterm illness. Rehab will take mths but I’ve done it before. 8 weeks in, just managed a short, v gentle cycle - progress
My autistic brother has never spent a birthday without being with either me or our parents. Early in lockdown he realized that he wouldn’t be able to this year and he was pretty devastated. It was hard. But we, like so many millions of others, did what was right. It is no excuse.
Attempted a curl-by-curl trim of my daughter’s hair today. I could feel the pull to try to blend the top and bottom layers but I stepped away!! These are desperate times but I know my limits.
Washing and detangling after this trim was a dream.
I am struck by the ongoing push for families with children to “do, do, do” whilst socially isolating/in lockdown. Whilst I do think it’s important to have a loose daily structure, it’s time to hunker down, slow down, re-prioritize, reconnect and notice what’s really of value.
I posted a confusing post because I’m in complete shock. I have a date for my endo surgery in 2 weeks! Someone else cancelled their surgery and I was offered their slot. ALWAYS get a note on your file saying you’ll drop anything to take a cancellation slot
School has written to us all to say that children are coming in hungry. Asking us to donate some extra fruit for kids to eat in school - this is alongside their existing feed a family drive. I am perpetually sad & so damn furious that children & families are going hungry in 2022
@she__who
@cillahope_
Someone on this thread wrote that it’s the ultimate privilege, for a people to colonize, enslave & then forget about it. That privilege runs through the entire system - including what history is taught, and how. My husband didn’t understand the origins of his name until adulthood
This week has been a huge struggle. Longterm illness has flared up badly & have had to pull out my big gun strategies to get through. Proud to have made it & grateful to the trainees & colleagues I’ve connected with this week, who’ve made it feel worthwhile. Now beyond exhausted.
Booking for the annual “Is Clinical Psychology for me?” event for Black, Asian, MENA and mixed undergraduates and aspiring clinical psychologists in the London area is now live. Tickets are free:
Reading through my timeline - all the downgraded A-levels, the distress, disappointment, anger, injustice, wasted energy, loss of opportunity, stymying of potential, shattered dreams. I feel so sad.
I don’t watch that programme but the dynamic of a white person demonstrating white hot rage, indignation and utter entitlement, when calmly held accountable for their actions by a person of colour is VERY familiar.
@jewdas
Oh yes, my granny and one of her sisters came here via KT. The government wouldn’t allow their parents/adults to come, and didn’t even want children to.
I work out a lot. Exercise is a fundamental survival tool for me, bringing me peace, release, relief and a feeling of both physical and emotional strength.
But honestly, the conversations that take place in my head before every single workout will never cease to be ridiculous.
After over a year of waiting & planning, our beautiful 6 year old rescued street dog, Honey, is en route from Serbia 💗 If I’m quiet on here in the coming weeks and months it’s b/c we’re adapting our little family to make our new member at home - her first with 4 walls & a roof
@MichaelRosenYes
@DrSimonAshworth
I am clever
I am quick
I could make you very sick
I exist to spread & thrive
I need some to stay alive
Picking noses, touching eyes
Passing me around the hive
Fear, panic, teeth & claws
I will show you all your flaws
Bit by bit becoming clear
The sickness that’s already here
People who devise mandatory online trainings - I do not need a plot or characters, please just give me the facts and let me go about my business. Thank you.
Daughter and I are going to watch a streamed ballet later. Husband: You’re going too far if you think I’m going to watch it Me: You may note that you haven’t been invited
Him: Why haven’t I been invited? Me: Would you like to join us in watching the ballet?
Him: Nope.
End scene
@joelbervell
When my husband got his COVID booster jab I swear the woman took a run up (it didn’t feel like she’d done that with me 1 min previously) and suspected it was because of this myth
I cannot lie, I had my first proper cry this evening, hearing the surge and swell of applause in London. Thank you, to all those slogging away in the NHS. Thank you.
@dearest_sash
Beautiful thread 😍 Here’s my first attempt for my girl, who was desperate for beads (this was before we bought the little beading tool, which helps a lot)
@ProfDaveAndress
Thank you! My grandmother & her sister came in on Kindertransport as unaccompanied minors, who never saw their parents again. The trauma has permeated generations. My grandmother’s internment trial card, from the UK trials (she was exempted) is labelled “illegal enemy alien”
@MichaelGrimmett
@love_prezzo
Wow. This is unacceptable
@love_prezzo
You would have lost our custom but already did, after you turned away our largely Black family group, in an empty branch near the end of lunchtime. We were told you were “fully booked”. We went elsewhere. Permanently.
I’ve just posted the link to my 2019 GTiCP keynote in an excellent thread and thought I’d post it again, in light of current conversations. “Thrown against a sharp white background: Access, inclusion & anti-racism in clinical psychology”
Chatting to a lovely undergrad at a talk this eve. She asked whether I’d done voluntary work during my final year. I said “well I’ll have to cast my mind back to 1999”, to which she exclaimed “that’s the year I was born”!
Oh, how we laughed (as a single tear slid down my cheek).
I’ve walked 3176k this year. Exercise is my lifeline, and has long been the only way I’ve been able to manage endometriosis symptoms. I’ve been desperately unwell for most of this year, and walking has been the only type of exercise I’ve been able to hold on to. VERY proud.
In 2006-7 a particular set of work circumstances caused my endometriosis to rapidly progress. 18 years later, it’s rapidly progressing again. Now, as then, I’m taking decisive action to draw boundaries, disentangle myself from persistently harmful dynamics & reclaim control.
There are 17 places remaining on the 2021 Valued Voices Mentoring Scheme, open to Black, Asian, MENA and Mixed aspiring clinical psychologists from undergrad level onwards. You need to be London-based to register (closing date 8th July 2021)
@chrischirp
It’s completely bleeding obvious to teachers and parents in areas that have been significantly affected by COVID that it spreads like wildfire through the school population and their families.
@ShannonDingle
My co-worker bit me on the leg during a Microsoft Teams meeting. For punishment, I picked him up and made him wave at my colleagues, then banished him to the garden.
My child is still in school for now, this is my cat. Still, good training for next week.
@PickneyAfro
@dr_uche_bee
At 5, my daughter, who’s of mixed heritage, was confused to see a white male doctor. She thought that all doctors were women and/or POC because of her family, Doc McStuffins and books! Representation really, really matters. The look on this little girl’s face is everything.
Companies under this government being so callous as to take 83% of the money intended for children’s food is shocking & outrageous. But it’s no surprise. I also question how much of the 22 BILLION spent on test & trace has been taken like this, & how many have died as a result.
@sylv_lane
One of my trainees once said to me “patients with chronic pain are the maddest of all”. I decided not to mention that I live with endometriosis, one of the most painful conditions around. It could have been a teaching moment but, honestly, shame got in the way.