I have just spoken to my mum. She is in her late 70's and she has just been diagnosed with stomach cancer. We spoke on the phone as we normally do once a week. I didn't know what to say. I didn't know whether dwelling upon it in conversation was a good thing or a bad thing. I didn't know whether to move on - talk about my kids - her grand-children. I just read that back. 'It' - cancer don't you mean? I never normally struggle for words as some of you who have read my opinions will no doubt vouch for! But today I did. Today I needed to be strong for my mum and I feel that I let her down. I cannot be the only Toluna member to have gone through this experience and so tonight I am looking for your advice. in the words of the great Roger Waters - 'is there anybody out there?'
The tragic news of the death of that poor little baby P has been all over the news. I suspect, and would hope that you were upset, and quite frankly shocked by the circumstances surrounding the case.
The actions (or rather lack of), by Social Services, are disgraceful. Yet I find myself unsurprised. I feel that the training is inadequate. Some social workers are practicing after a mere 2 years training.
A friend of mine has a teenage son who has ADHD, conduct disorder and moderate learning disability. Since the age of 5 SS have consistently let this little boy down. At one point they put him in the care of his violent father. His mother begged SS not to do this. She told SS he was a bully, thief, drug addled ex-con. But they refused to believe her.
This story doesn't have a good ending. One year after being placed in his fathers care, it transpired that this man was not only on crystal meth, but also sexually abusing his teenage daughter. The daughter was told that if she told anyone he would kill himself. And he did!
My friend is still locked in a permanent battle with social workers, who never seem to see the wood for the trees.
I find many people either are ignorant or do not accept depression as a mental illness, simply that they should just 'snap out of it' or 'stop feeling sorry for yourself'.
