Spokz People Community | admin | Friends Activity https://spokzpeople.org.uk/clp/member/admin/activity/friends/ Activity feed for admin's friends. Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:28:13 +0000 https://buddypress.org/?v=11.4.0 en-US 30 hourly 2 6d1ae76ddcfa39a51b94ef990feb8701 Mel started the topic Peer Consulation Group For Professionals in the forum General Disability Questions (Pros) https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/peer-consulation-group-for-professionals/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 10:19:55 +0000 We set up a peer supervision/consultation group in 2023 and it is now running independently. They currently meet 2x a month, 1st Monday of the month 7-8pm and 3rd Tuesday of the month 12-1pm. You can attend one or both meetings. If interested in joining, Marie is admin for the group now and you can reach her on mariedarnell100@gmail.com. It is…[Read more]

]]> 78d2f0e0cc194f0b86370c426a58ffe2 Mel replied to the topic Introduction in the forum General Disability Questions (Pros) https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/introduction/#post-6340 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 06:11:46 +0000 Hi PAPH,

Yes the Forum is quite quiet, even though we have 40+ professionals signed up, I’m not sure everyone remembers it’s here or logs on enough to make use of it. Will send a reminder email round, see if that encourages members to respond to your post as well.

Unfortunately you are not alone in your experience. Over the years we’ve talked to…[Read more]

]]> fd060d066538daf8cb9057ec4e78f718 Mel replied to the topic The Term "Sufferer" in the forum Community Chat http://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/the-term-sufferer/#post-6176 Wed, 13 Nov 2024 09:33:52 +0000 I agree this is horrible Julie and upsetting. Sometimes it can help to take the sting out of these situations to remind ourselves what is going on for them. Often it is the person’s fear of impairment and what they think our lives are like that makes them use this language. Sometimes they just don’t know and are copying what they’ve heard in the m…[Read more]

]]> d0b99262a536f3455006efd1cf1c5e96 Mel started the topic In person support in the forum Module Reflections (Pros) https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/in-person-support/ Wed, 11 Sep 2024 22:06:50 +0000 Hello Mel. Really enjoyed your introductory model on dispelling the myths around disability. I am a qualified counsellor, physical disability very limited mobility and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder wanting to specialise in supporting disabled clients. You made a good point saying some people need a face to face visit. I wont be able to do this…[Read more]

]]> 7e65ed819a7c7477cd9125564b43ef27 Mel replied to the topic Relationship and overthinking in the forum Community Chat https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/relationship-and-overthinking/#post-5781 Mon, 04 Mar 2024 21:17:04 +0000 I think it is natural when we first ‘fall in love’ with someone to think of them often, especially when they are giving signals back that they like us too. It’s hard to know what to read into this message…does the person like you back or is it unrequited? What is your current relationship like? If they don’t know how you feel or you know they…[Read more]

]]> fafb266deb9a037a42ae9eb2061e9c50 Mel replied to the topic Advocacy support in the forum General Disability Questions (Pros) https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/advocacy-support/#post-5749 Wed, 14 Feb 2024 09:48:45 +0000 We are in the Midlands, but I’m pretty sure it’s the same everywhere, advocacy as other services have been cut. I think if there is learning disability involved there is more support because the government legally has to offer this, but for physical disability it is even more challenging.

I would recommend suggesting our client platform to her as…[Read more]

]]> 0ba6c794920030814d9e5f1eccb1ab42 Mel started the topic Advocacy support in the forum General Disability Questions (Pros) https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/advocacy-support/ Wed, 14 Feb 2024 09:48:21 +0000 Hello
I’m wondering if any advocacy support would be available to someone who has 24 hour care and is finding managing that care quite a challenge. Not respecting boundaries, not listening to needs or dismissing them, lack of continuity in carers sent, are some of the issues, coupled with a fear of making things worse by complaining.
I’m in York…[Read more]

]]> 120d7417bc4cefe0dda66bc234f4d13f Mel replied to the topic Our negatives and ashamed in the forum Community Chat https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/our-negatives-and-ashamed/#post-5737 Wed, 07 Feb 2024 09:32:32 +0000 Hey Julie, this is indeed very very common unfortunately, focussing only on the negatives. You may find 9.1 on shame, and especially shame rage helpful. There are so many negative messages around disability and being different. Do discuss it in our next informal meet when you get the chance. Something that helps is preparing for this negativity by…[Read more]

]]> 74be36dd224070d3b7545cc782c49ab6 Mel replied to the topic Christmas Chat in the forum Community Chat https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/christmas-chat/#post-5692 Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:24:45 +0000 Yes it was great fun 😊 and I hope everyone uses this to keep talking in a safe space….I’ve messaged everyone who was there each others user names…see you soon Julie

]]> f1b23b07b094f3f6f04495107ea601fc Mel replied to the topic Positions in the forum Let's talk about sex, baby! https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/positions/#post-5691 Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:23:18 +0000 Have a look at our sister company Spokz Julie in the sex aids area, you may find some useful things there, there used to be cushions and also a ceiling sling for extra support.

I know people if they have them have also used their hoist or walking frames or sometimes people have straps from the ceiling to help then sit up in bed…

Also check…[Read more]

]]> d6b08b8d08789ce575d7303c2f98f16b Mel replied to the topic Benefits Advisors in the forum Benefits https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/benefits-advisors/#post-5639 Mon, 04 Dec 2023 16:26:11 +0000 Lucy has used these guys and it looks as if they offer support with benefits? https://disabilityunion.co.uk/casework/
Let us know how you get on

]]> 5746562c87af22bbd4cd33808869d9ea Mel replied to the topic Supporting a client with a progressive condition in the forum General Disability Questions (Pros) https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/supporting-a-client-with-a-progressive-condition/#post-5592 Tue, 26 Sep 2023 17:57:44 +0000 It is indeed a common issue that comes up for many people living with disability. As human beings we naturally incline to struggle with change and certainly dealing with continuous change is something that comes up a lot in our group. Researching how humans develop resilience can be helpful, as well reading stories about people who had to deal…[Read more]

]]> ad846f92fc3fb63c4f8ad9c2f5d1e191 Mel replied to the topic Specific training for working with disability in the forum General Disability Questions (Pros) https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/specific-training-for-working-with-disability/#post-5531 Fri, 28 Jul 2023 05:06:11 +0000 We keep trying to have this conversation, mainly with BACP as they’re the biggest… At the same time their largeness means progress is slow because b of all their different departments and staff turnover. We have put forward some disability books which they were going to advise be put on the accredited training list but so far that’s the only…[Read more]

]]> 79912582b38c8302bf39e52e4dd208d8 Mel replied to the topic Introduction in the forum Module Reflections (Pros) https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/introduction-2/#post-5530 Fri, 28 Jul 2023 04:59:07 +0000 That sounds great Astrid, sometimes the fear of getting it wrong or upsetting the client makes it hard to be authentic about any discomfort we’re experiencing internally around disability. I use ‘template statements’ that act as an anchor that I then draw on to help me discuss my own discomfort with clients and suggest this in our therapist…[Read more]

]]> eaf0d8ad01f94b01e4d284a9799d55d6 Mel replied to the topic Introduction in the forum Module Reflections (Pros) https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/introduction-2/#post-5514 Wed, 26 Jul 2023 05:50:07 +0000 A common question is around the fear of getting it wrong and a client leaving – this does indeed happen, but often just the simple act of owning your discomfort or fear can prevent this happening. How do you do this?

]]> a62282c67488048577ec6df76d1066fe Mel replied to the topic Disabled Students who researched disability and therapy in the forum Unpublished Research - Further Reading (All) https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/disabled-students-who-researched-disability-and-therapy/#post-5513 Wed, 26 Jul 2023 05:47:42 +0000 If you hear of any others, do email them to be added…

]]> 7cc1d8e1a466268f3c817d2142e7d386 Mel replied to the topic Please can I have the cheese... in the forum Funny Stories https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/please-can-i-have-the-cheese/#post-5512 Wed, 26 Jul 2023 05:46:47 +0000 Is it a language thing? Hearing issue? You persevered through 4 attempts though!

]]> 8e43980b6399fe15ed9cb55cf07ae2ee Mel replied to the topic Aids for visual impairment in the forum Ask Ashley Anything! (Pros) https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/aids-for-visual-impairment/?view=all#post-5511 Wed, 26 Jul 2023 05:42:02 +0000 Ashley raises a great point about disability products being hugely expensive. Partly this is cashing in on a market that doesn’t always have a choice and partly because things are made in small numbers. But asking around you can sometimes find alternative in the non disabled world which might work. For example in our kitchen we have a moveable…[Read more]

]]> f55374113567b6ec40efce7227f493a9 Mel replied to the topic Specific training for working with disability in the forum General Disability Questions (Pros) https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/specific-training-for-working-with-disability/#post-5339 Thu, 29 Jun 2023 10:37:46 +0000 Hi Paul, of course we agree that training is essential until such a time as it’s included properly in generic training. Ashley Cox is trying to set up a directory for disabled client to access therapists who understand disability and have undergone some training, we’re considering maybe a badge or certificate on completion but we only have modules…[Read more]

]]> 7c42350b4cd7b3bfcc42879f638575e9 Mel replied to the topic From my benifit advisor in the forum Benefits https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/from-my-benifit-advisor/#post-5338 Thu, 29 Jun 2023 10:32:43 +0000 Thanks Chloe! All about what you can’t do!

]]> cfd9a650d5dd23cf64293e223e2f93dc Mel replied to the topic Forum Title Ideas in the forum And the 'Winner' is...NHS/government stories https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/forum-title-ideas/#post-5337 Thu, 29 Jun 2023 10:31:39 +0000 What about The Silly Awards?
Could use Rotten Tomatoes Awards like they do with movies? Epic Fail Awards? Disability Dense Distinctions?

]]> cbcf8f0921e546100ddfbc238599e330 Mel replied to the topic Finding a Buddy in the forum Buddy Introductions https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/finding-a-buddy/page/2/#post-5336 Thu, 29 Jun 2023 10:25:43 +0000 Hi @Julie86 if you open up forums before you get to this thread you’ll see module reflections. Another idea is for you and Alex or Chloe to arrange a group chat to talk more about the chapter you’re working through? You can use the instant chat bubble or I think you can set up an email and message each other on there?

]]> 92e47e9ad6e5ac0bdb5eb4837bff8a9e Mel started the topic Forum Title Ideas in the forum And the 'Winner' is...NHS/government stories https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/forum-title-ideas/ Thu, 08 Jun 2023 18:10:07 +0000 Chloë has suggested we call this section The Dumba** Olympics! What ideas do you have?

]]> aa1461b0281b0a1d9282af64f527e2e8 Mel replied to the topic Ombudsman in the forum Community Chat https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/ombudsman/#post-5290 Thu, 08 Jun 2023 07:40:24 +0000 I don’t know much about the ombudsman but just wanted to respond to the silence. This is something many of us experience. It increases our anxiety and we our brains start filling in the gaps thinking of all the reasons there is silence, usual negative ones! Our brains try and fix things even when it can’t be fixed. The research shows that the way…[Read more]

]]> 2a1001d1d25307857a6602313fe86977 Mel replied to the topic Finding a Buddy in the forum Buddy Introductions https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/finding-a-buddy/page/2/#post-5205 Mon, 22 May 2023 18:38:42 +0000 Another idea to think about it just go through the programme at your own pace and you can still buddy with someone….you share what you need support with depending where you are, and they share with you…some members will read it chronologically but others will dip in and out of relevant sections depending on what they need, so that could work?…[Read more]

]]> e5cff3f6cfa01cd41281968987b85e23 Mel replied to the topic Finding a Buddy in the forum Buddy Introductions https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/finding-a-buddy/#post-5202 Mon, 22 May 2023 07:58:09 +0000 Hi folks, for the programme to sink in it needs time and everybody is different and some sections are much longer than others, especially the later chapters. A whole chapter a day personally seems a lot to me. Perhaps a few sections of a chapter per week for the early chapters and 1 section when you hit chapter 7 onwards? It’s important to set…[Read more]

]]> 2750f386d12c3ba1e93ef4921faf9a92 Mel wrote a new post https://spokzpeople.org.uk/?p=5144 Wed, 10 May 2023 12:15:53 +0000 Limitless? Can simple strategies improve our wellbeing and stress resilience? You may have seen the 2011 movie Limitless, based on the 2001 novel The Dark Fields by Alan Glynn, where the main character Eddie Morra (played by […]

]]> b004e13f89d30f558666fe082a0df17d Mel replied to the topic Refusing/rejecting a client - when is it appropriate? in the forum General Disability Questions (Pros) https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/refusing-rejecting-a-client-when-is-it-appropriate/#post-5098 Wed, 03 May 2023 08:54:28 +0000 Yes, this is a very tricky point that we do as therapists need to be honest and work within our competency, but perhaps knowing that being honest and rejecting a client could be harmful for someone who has experienced rejection, perhaps it is about how we do this? And more thought and care could go into it? E.g. we suggest in training that if you…[Read more]

]]> 120312ea795a2bac49da713835878ed3 Mel replied to the topic Safe space in the forum Wellbeing Programme https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/safe-space/#post-5096 Wed, 03 May 2023 08:49:45 +0000 Yes, a safe space can totally be imaginary and can change, or we may have several. It’s all about experimenting and working out what works for you 🙂

]]> 5c75847c137a625ac563937b1485beb4 Mel replied to the topic 4th January 2023 - Zoom in the forum Community Chat https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/4th-january-2023-zoom/#post-5094 Wed, 03 May 2023 08:48:16 +0000 Yes, I think there are many reasons why the welfare state is the way it is, and it goes all the way back to Victorian times, or perhaps even before in history, when they started categorising people and bodies into ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’. Instead of communities looking after each other, now the government has that role and makes the decisions. As…[Read more]

]]> 1977ca333f15f4118a2efb4fcf9fc137 Mel replied to the topic Refusing/rejecting a client - when is it appropriate? in the forum General Disability Questions (Pros) https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/refusing-rejecting-a-client-when-is-it-appropriate/#post-5051 Wed, 26 Apr 2023 13:12:45 +0000 I think that there are many ‘reasonable’ reasons a therapist, especially in private practise, can reject a client. They can say their home isn’t accessible and no ‘reasonable’ adjustments can be made, or that they don’t feel competent to work with this person, which is of course one the justifiable reasons listed in Ethical Frameworks. Ashley Cox,…[Read more]

]]> 6a0c59cbdb8cf7443a0b63b6f4db27fc Mel replied to the topic Reasonable Adjustment in the forum General Disability Questions (Pros) https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/reasonable-adjustment/#post-4950 Wed, 12 Apr 2023 13:09:07 +0000 Thanks for kicking off the forum with this great question Paul! The equality act is still very much rooted in the medical model view of disability, which puts the onus on the disabled person to request access and prove they have been denied access to premises or services, as they are the one that is deemed ‘not normal’. As you will learn from com…[Read more]

]]> 221ca786f617fc5a7fc261b0c71d9c23 Mel started the topic Introduction in the forum Module Reflections (Pros) https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/introduction-2/ Mon, 23 Jan 2023 20:33:48 +0000 Hi folks, our training hub is still quite new and though we have a few people signed up, no one has got round to posting yet. So please feel free to get us started with any questions. Do you have any questions after completing your module? What did you like or dislike? What would you like to know more about? This is a safe place to ask these and…[Read more]

]]> 0cefe00ae1c266e7651787e188180d03 Mel started the topic Introduction in the forum General Disability Questions (Pros) https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/introduction/ Mon, 23 Jan 2023 20:32:23 +0000 Hi folks, our training hub is still quite new and though we have a few people signed up, no one has got round to posting yet. So please feel free to get us started with any questions. Are you struggling with a disabled client? Are you being triggered by anything disability-related? This is a safe environment to explore these and any other…[Read more]

]]> a2e8a1bf1e013b46efa6a97c57eb3d2b Mel replied to the topic 4th January 2023 - Zoom in the forum Community Chat https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/4th-january-2023-zoom/#post-4270 Tue, 17 Jan 2023 15:01:06 +0000 Hey Julie, you raise an important issue, of different locations in the UK having different assessments. From our experience talking to people in different places in the UK this certainly seems true. There seems to be a ‘postcode lottery’ when it comes to many things. For example, we know some people only get £300 towards a wheelchair whereas…[Read more]

]]> 0f984d54a3a7cadeee56e6e1dd971484 Mel's profile was updated https://spokzpeople.org.uk/activity/p/191/ Wed, 23 Nov 2022 14:22:28 +0000 0 bcb907fd10c9299be45fb02414d5cc3c Mel replied to the topic Finding a Buddy in the forum Buddy Introductions https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/finding-a-buddy/#post-2515 Thu, 10 Mar 2022 16:46:59 +0000 Thanks Meg, it may take some more time for us to get new members so there are more buddies, but rest assured we are doing all we can to promote the platform. Warm wishes, Mel & the team

]]> fa31c6ff8f0bd97446404acff3f70de6 Mel replied to the topic Hopes/Aims for the programme in the forum Wellbeing Programme https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/hopes-aims-for-the-programme/#post-2469 Thu, 03 Mar 2022 12:06:24 +0000 Yes, I think the whole idea of the group is understanding how disability admin and fatigue etc affect us and learning from each other about how we can be more compassionate to ourselves around these additional tasks/time/energy….

]]> 5d054ee8cca460dba5f76fd683ca2c83 Mel replied to the topic Safe space in the forum Wellbeing Programme https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/safe-space/#post-1845 Wed, 01 Dec 2021 22:29:53 +0000 Some great ideas, let us know how you get on trialling that and certainly we can discuss more next Sunday. Pets are a great way to feel safe, as they are so grounded in the here and now, their heart rate, breathing and warmth can help us restore to balance/rest when we are activated.
You know I have heard other people mention Harry Potter over…[Read more]

]]> 66691777fb5db328aba16c4bb1d50355 Mel replied to the topic Safe space in the forum Wellbeing Programme https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/safe-space/#post-1840 Wed, 01 Dec 2021 16:40:48 +0000 Interesting question Emma, it can be both! In our minds we create a metaphorical space, but it is based on a real space you have been somewhere in your life where you felt safe. It works best if it is a place where there were no/few people or at least only people who you feel safe and can be completely you and real with. A happy place is great to…[Read more]

]]> aecb186bf05c983f15f693e55df06230 Mel created the group Community Chat SP https://spokzpeople.org.uk/activity/p/44/ Thu, 11 Nov 2021 16:11:43 +0000 0 a236d0d7e0ea03deaa3956868df9fafb Mel's profile was updated https://spokzpeople.org.uk/activity/p/32/ Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:42:31 +0000 0 fc1e03e905e31f830c7bc6d63781cb15 Mel started the topic Finding a Buddy in the forum Buddy Introductions https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/finding-a-buddy/ Thu, 16 Sep 2021 19:06:00 +0000 If you are looking for a buddy, for you to support and to support you, post in this section, tell us a bit about you so that members can then private message you. If you have a preference for a gender or age for your buddy, do say too. If for whatever reason it doesn’t work out, try and tell yourself that’s OK, it’s about getting the right match…[Read more]

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