Spokz People Community | Kim73 | Activity https://spokzpeople.org.uk/clp/member/kim73/activity/ Activity feed for Kim73. Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:28:13 +0000 https://buddypress.org/?v=11.4.0 en-US 30 hourly 2 3edceec2238beeb7f4897d26767bc3d1 Kim73 wrote a new post https://spokzpeople.org.uk/?p=6685 Sat, 28 Feb 2026 13:37:38 +0000 The World Upstairs – More than just a lift We would like to thank Pretty Hussain, who has contributed the article below. Written whilst reflecting during Ramadan, Pretty shares with us the […]

]]> a358eeb9533ec26bd13f8df2cb43ed66 Kim73 started the topic Social Model in the forum Wellbeing Programme https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/social-model/ Sun, 04 May 2025 17:12:36 +0000 Question on behalf of another member:

How can help doctors/social workers get a better understanding of the social model?

]]> 82cfa5381b65a06f852bf434651e892a Kim73 wrote a new post https://spokzpeople.org.uk/?p=6334 Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:46:45 +0000 How Animals Can Be A Good First Start For Helping Autistic Individuals Make Friends Guest post by Kadin McElwain At home, I have two dogs and two cats – companions who have become some of my closest friends. Initially, I was […]

]]> 47a86841f99a33e6ae573f81e43f59c0 Kim73 wrote a new post https://spokzpeople.org.uk/?p=6263 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 16:45:47 +0000 The Awesome Power of Freeze The Awesome Power of Freeze by Luis Mojica from Holistic Life Navigation. Thank you to Katy for suggesting this blog. Yes, you read that […]

]]> 7a9fed41844bf12209c407e7d770313c Kim73 replied to the topic The Term "Sufferer" in the forum Community Chat https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/the-term-sufferer/#post-6170 Thu, 07 Nov 2024 12:03:21 +0000 I think this is a terrible term to use! I would not like this at all – I do not think of myself as a sufferer or suffering and I don’t think it’s something anyone should decide for another person that that is how they feel about themselves or their life. I think it shows a very negative view of disability that the person using views our lives as…[Read more]

]]> 8cb08b820be4404d16a6af368b92d58e Kim73 replied to the topic Want Ability Back in the forum Community Chat https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/want-ability-back/#post-5926 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:20:51 +0000 Yes! Speaking for myself and from talking to other people I would say it’s very common to feel this, you certainly aren’t alone. I think a lot of people go through periods of accepting abilities we’ve lost and then other periods of really grieving them, and moving between those two. I know I do. Sometimes I feel like I’m really ok with not being…[Read more]

]]> b8186e383b473ab8235456346f17028f Kim73 replied to the topic Let's talk about sex baby...... love lounge in the forum Community Chat https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/lets-talk-about-sex-baby-love-lounge/#post-5813 Wed, 20 Mar 2024 16:04:26 +0000 I have not yet been to look on the love lounge, but it’s definitely something worth discussing with your care agency if they are not aware of your rights and you would like support with it. Perhaps you could encourage them to read the information on the love lounge website?
I’ve never discussed sex with my carers but I would not be surprised if…[Read more]

]]> 6598eba2f4e7b6bab07c6cbd2bfe40f6 Kim73 replied to the topic Words in the forum Community Chat https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/words/#post-5785 Sat, 09 Mar 2024 06:58:29 +0000 I agree words are very complicated things. I do not like them. I am different to you in that I do know good words and bad words and I have learnt these. However, I’m not generally offended by a particular bad word, I don’t take offence to it. I do think words can hurt though – that old wives tale is not true! I don’t think that comes down to…[Read more]

]]> 12d4d5cde87737ed7573f39d514cd191 Kim73 started the topic Relationship and overthinking in the forum Community Chat https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/relationship-and-overthinking/ Sat, 02 Mar 2024 16:48:31 +0000 Anonymous question on behalf of another member:

I sometimes forget about family and friends because I think so much about somebody who I love. It does take over my thinking. What can help with this?

]]> ca4e8eb929e13283ed86ae328d68bbb9 Kim73 replied to the topic Mix up in the forum And the 'Winner' is...NHS/government stories https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/mix-up/#post-5767 Tue, 27 Feb 2024 11:35:36 +0000 Sometimes messages get so mixed up! You have to wonder if they were remembering something from another patient or if they just forgot to wash their ears out that morning!!

]]> 7b8228d6afe02ddcd6f6facd5d988dbd Kim73 replied to the topic Setbacks in the forum Community Chat https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/setbacks/#post-5747 Wed, 14 Feb 2024 05:51:06 +0000 Hi Julie, your situation is quite similar to mine as I am also generally limited to staying in bed and unable to sit up for any length of time. I have periods of time where I’m able to do more but also times where like you are now I’m more restricted. To some extent, I trying struggle too much to fill my day, because by the time I’ve done all the…[Read more]

]]> 10507ee4d8db958e0c1c5468f8b1a1a4 Kim73 replied to the topic Our negatives and ashamed in the forum Community Chat https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/our-negatives-and-ashamed/#post-5743 Tue, 13 Feb 2024 16:17:33 +0000 I definitely can say I experience this too – with social services but also with medical things for me as well. I think sometimes when you have assessments (depending on the purpose of them, because you don’t want to argue yourself out of support!) it can be helpful to also make a list of things you have achieved, so you can show them positives as…[Read more]

]]> c0a4d5f2498199f9eaf02bee9159a0d3 Kim73 wrote a new post https://spokzpeople.org.uk/?p=5722 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 11:26:05 +0000 Time To Talk Day: Disabled people also need to talk about mental health Today is Time to Talk Day and we have collaborated with Crip Life™ to jointly raise awareness of the mental health needs of disabled people. There c […]

]]> 175688ca682468df704aba264497fc7a Kim73 wrote a new post https://spokzpeople.org.uk/?p=5707 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:51 +0000 Time To Talk Day: The challenges and benefits of having care support from parents as a disabled adult Written by Emma Purcell For many disabled adults who need full-time care, they continue to rely on their parents to carry out some or all of their […]

]]> 967b46e309347de7ca9b20c36bf14899 Kim73 replied to the topic Christmas Chat in the forum Community Chat https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/christmas-chat/#post-5693 Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:29:28 +0000 I enjoyed it too! Thank you Mel for putting it together 😁 I’ll be around over Xmas to chat too

]]> f345e2654cbcd0b5ea8c1249b0252810 Kim73 wrote a new post https://spokzpeople.org.uk/?p=5646 Wed, 06 Dec 2023 15:01:44 +0000 Disability History Month 2023 – A Letter to my Younger Self Written by Katy Evans The theme for Disability History Month 2023 is disability in childhood past, present and future. Although Spokz People works […]

]]> a3f4334098defcd01adda30e3e3d5ab4 Kim73 replied to the topic Wheelchair flying lessons.... in the forum Funny Stories https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/wheelchair-flying-lessons/#post-5577 Wed, 13 Sep 2023 14:21:35 +0000 You’re right, perhaps we should start making them! We could do some good comedy skits of what NOT to do too!!

]]> b860a57302cbcecc835fd17fdec75799 Kim73 replied to the topic Wheelchair flying lessons.... in the forum Funny Stories https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/wheelchair-flying-lessons/#post-5575 Mon, 11 Sep 2023 12:50:09 +0000 You might need a horn or flashing lights as well as red bull, to warn people you are coming! My mum is quite like this when pushing me. She doesn’t look where she’s going so ends up using my legs a bit like a battering ram (I have elevated footplates so they stick out in front of me). I’m amazed that so far neither me nor anyone has been more…[Read more]

]]> 622110f24754f602622bda6e1059fb91 Kim73 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-5574 Mon, 11 Sep 2023 12:47:01 +0000 They were actually all in the fridge, but I think it’s a language thing. Though the latest one just kept bringing me back the same packet of carrot sticks even when I kept saying no, so that was at least partly stupidity because she must have known it was the wrong thing even if she didn’t understand what correct thing I was asking for. Maybe she…[Read more]

]]> f08a83ec4fd72bc57ce265321b0cafa7 Kim73 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-5515 Wed, 26 Jul 2023 07:10:34 +0000 Thank you for such a thorough reply! You are right that specific disabilty equipment is always so over priced. I try to find alternatives not marketed for disability that can be cheaper (for example a lot of wheelchair accessories you can find made for pushchairs or bikes much cheaper). It seems like you are lucky (or talented anyway) that you…[Read more]

]]> c11ea3c5a46d9991fbc90a3340441a45 Kim73 replied to the topic Self-care ideas in the forum Wellbeing Programme https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/self-care-ideas/#post-5501 Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:56:37 +0000 I really love this way of thinking about boundaries! It can be so hard to put in boundaries, especially with friends or people you are close to, but thinking of it like this really puts a different perspective on it and I think will make it a lot easier. I’m going to try thinking of it like this going forward and see if it helps me. Thank you for this!!

]]> d17e1a5d74fef49c92e89142adaa5926 Kim73 started 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/ Tue, 18 Jul 2023 14:50:11 +0000 My carers understanding of basic food items is…interesting!
Me: “Please can you bring me the cheese from the fridge”
Carer: Brings lettuce
Me: No, the cheese please
Carer: Brings bottle of chilli sauce
Me: No, its grated cheese, its in a packet not a bottle
Carer: Brings bottle of wine
Me: No, like a plastic packet
Carer: Brings tomato
Me:…[Read more]

]]> 777e61ebf44e6282aed26c1df4c54e3e Kim73 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/#post-5421 Tue, 18 Jul 2023 14:44:26 +0000 For example, I know there are things you can clip on the side of a mug to know when the water is near the top. Do you use things like this, or other aids, or can you manage mostly without?

]]> 9508b78794c1b9f7c39dfaccd929fdb8 Kim73 started the topic Aids for visual impairment in the forum Ask Ashley Anything! (Pros) https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/aids-for-visual-impairment/ Tue, 18 Jul 2023 14:42:08 +0000 What aids (if any) do you use that help you be independent with daily activities?

]]> 23fa9c5db69d35f7cb664ebc1a6ef3ba Kim73 replied to the topic Mental Capacity in the forum Community Chat https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/mental-capacity/#post-5419 Tue, 18 Jul 2023 14:36:58 +0000 Julie, did you ever ask them straight out like you planned about mental capacity? Did this work out ok for you?

]]> a2afe6f5f5d661f844d1ec51c9e66f0e Kim73 replied to the topic Safe space in the forum Wellbeing Programme https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/safe-space/#post-5243 Sun, 28 May 2023 03:21:33 +0000 This binaural beats stuff looks really interesting.. I’m going to have to look into it. I was wondering if it was a similar concept to like tapping where you alternate sides as I’d heard if you can’t physically tap an alternative to the to reduce anxiety is listening to sounds through each ear alternatively so still using both sides, but it seems…[Read more]

]]> bb24967067d7941ab5e46573a79d61e7 Kim73 replied to the topic Safe space in the forum Wellbeing Programme https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/safe-space/#post-5241 Sat, 27 May 2023 09:00:25 +0000 Definitely! Music is a great place to escape to. I have all kinds of music I listen to depending on my mood, but I definitely have some that are for me relaxing or “safe”. For me, when I’m overwhelmed I tend to listen to relaxing classical music that I’m very familiar with as I know it will soothe me. My favourite for when I’m stressed and need to…[Read more]

]]> 8935b0d97500a80639dd6264738508b0 Kim73 replied to the topic Self-care ideas in the forum Wellbeing Programme https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/self-care-ideas/#post-5240 Sat, 27 May 2023 08:57:12 +0000 I think this is a really good point about looking at the process not the end result. I often find it hard to start things because I feel like what I’m doing isn’t good enough or I won’t do a good though job or I’m not capable. I think it’s helpful as well to remember we learn and get better at things through our mistakes and so by doing it wrong…[Read more]

]]> 940a3cabb2a29a87b340f83b6fdb7ba8 Kim73 replied to the topic Buddy Chat in the forum Wellbeing Programme https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/buddy-chat/#post-5239 Sat, 27 May 2023 08:54:28 +0000 I tend to think of the breathing exercises not as having to do them exactly as “prescribed” in the programme but more as the point being mindful of your breathing and focusing on it in some way and being aware of it is beneficial, as it means you will not be breathing “badly”. I shouldn’t say badly, but by that I mean not hyperventilating if you…[Read more]

]]> 4de45ced6b37f668ab4e204c4a7ddb5a Kim73 replied to the topic Self-care ideas in the forum Wellbeing Programme https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/self-care-ideas/#post-5224 Wed, 24 May 2023 06:21:42 +0000 I just meant colouring books for grown ups, but I have seen the “adult” ones and I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that’s the one you have!! Very you lol.

I have the same problem with allergies so bath bombs would be no good for me either but there’s probably other ways you create sensory activities from other things that you might not be…[Read more]

]]> 915b7766f8d0db3497c204169e6427c0 Kim73 replied to the topic Mental Capacity in the forum Community Chat https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/mental-capacity/#post-5211 Tue, 23 May 2023 08:26:12 +0000 My understanding of mental capacity (and this may not be correct as it’s purely from my own experience) is that they cannot decide you don’t have capacity without assessing you, and without informing you of the outcome (or if you wouldn’t have the capacity to understand then your guardian or carer), do if this hasn’t been done they have to treat…[Read more]

]]> 00158763e4132141e062426bf26ccc88 Kim73 replied to the topic Supported by family in the forum Community Chat https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/supported-by-family/#post-5210 Tue, 23 May 2023 08:04:04 +0000 Access to work is the main benefit around employment. It’s partly around accommodations and equipment but they can also provide funding for PA/assistant for the time you are at work, so this would probably be what you would need to look at

]]> 42d8dcf3536a706ec9e818aa05fd45cf Kim73 replied to the topic Cream application fail.... in the forum Funny Stories https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/cream-application-fail/#post-5209 Tue, 23 May 2023 07:56:24 +0000 You took this a lot better than I would have! I’ve actually also had a “wrong hole” experience but I don’t think I found it as funny!!

]]> 73205489380390e3e16a5d7098b276ae Kim73 replied to the topic Self-care ideas in the forum Wellbeing Programme https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/self-care-ideas/#post-5208 Tue, 23 May 2023 07:50:12 +0000 I agree with everything that has been said about how hard it is to set boundaries. I think you have rightly identified that we do want to care for others but one of the key things is whether people also care for us and also ask about us in return. If it’s always one way then maybe that’s a sign it isn’t such a healthy balance (I am also very bad…[Read more]

]]> 8893f92b2c043a23e588703960fa833a Kim73 replied to the topic Safe space in the forum Wellbeing Programme https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/safe-space/#post-5207 Tue, 23 May 2023 07:39:00 +0000 I use a memory of a real place as my safe space, so it’s not imagination as such but it’s still in my mind. I do also have photos of it though which I find helpful to look at to help recall it, and I also find holding objects helpful not so much as fidget like you are saying Chloe but for me if they have a texture or sense that helps me recall the…[Read more]

]]> 7a188ce174b422abbdcf2a330d7332a2 Kim73 replied to the topic Buddy Chat in the forum Wellbeing Programme https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/buddy-chat/#post-5206 Tue, 23 May 2023 07:34:38 +0000 Hi Julie, this is a good idea. I’ve found Chapter 1 useful as overwhelm is a big issue for me atm but it can be hard to remember to put the exercises into practice at the right time. I think it’s important to practice then at a time when you are also feeling good so they are reinforced and find what works best for you as everyone is different. I…[Read more]

]]> 764346c0f4438538ab06184d573c41e0 Kim73 replied to the topic 4th January 2023 - Zoom in the forum Community Chat https://spokzpeople.org.uk/forum/topic/4th-january-2023-zoom/#post-4277 Tue, 17 Jan 2023 17:48:05 +0000 This is interesting, I had not heard of the difference between time/task and strength based assessments before. I have only been assessed by social work once on discharge from hospital and they didn’t use either of these approaches, just a kind of checklist and then a list of “standard” activities they have as their usual care package and fixed…[Read more]

]]> cd210b26b175b9f2c3d4382bd91a2e68 Kim73 posted a new activity comment https://spokzpeople.org.uk/activity/p/131/#acomment-133 Sat, 30 Apr 2022 17:20:28 +0000 Hi Emma, Yes I read to the end! Don’t worry about writing long posts, I totally understand about not being able to speak freely. I live with my friend Janet, and our downstairs is basically an open plan living room/kitchen area and that’s where my bed is (and given I can’t move from the bed that’s where I am!) so I don’t really have any personal…[Read more]

In reply to - Emma1894 posted an update in the group Community Chat SP Hello everyone, I hope this is ok to post here? I’m really enjoying our Zoom group sessions but sometimes I find I can’t fully express my feelings […] ]]> b002a6222b2503943615f5f380f10c0c Kim73 joined the group Community Chat SP https://spokzpeople.org.uk/activity/p/48/ Tue, 16 Nov 2021 15:43:39 +0000 0