The Locked up Living Podcast: Surviving and thriving in prisons and other challenging environments
Can institutional culture challenge your mental health? What if your job makes you feel shame, sadness, grief, disgust and fear? What if you are expected not to feel? Or you are expected to be relentlessly competitive? What it’s like to live or work in a prison? Does working with people who commit murder, child abuse and rape affect people who work in prisons and the wider criminal justice system? How do people survive and thrive when facing significant challenges to our emotional health over a lengthy period? How do we protect ourselves and stay compassionate, loving and trusting? Importantly, how do we find and preserve hope? Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote that “The degree of civilisation in a society can be judged by entering its prisons”. In this weekly podcast ,your hosts, David Jones (Forensic psychotherapist) and Dr Naomi Murphy (Consultant Clinical & Forensic Psychologist) hope that exploring less visible aspects of prisons will help listeners see that prisons are a window into society and let us see people not only at their worst but also at their best. We feature a rich range of guests sharing snap shots of life in prisons and take a look at hospitals, schools, sport and the police in order to learn from other institutions. We learn about challenges to human integrity and hear important lessons and heart-warming stories about survival and growth when facing adversity in harsh places. We hope that sharing our conversations can help you make changes to your own relationship with institutions that might challenge your emotional health and well-being. Follow and connect with us and give us feedback. Let us know what you think works, and also what doesn’t. We want you to look forward to the podcast each week. We’ll also be extremely grateful for any reviews that you give us. A simple star or two or a thumbs up will do. Email: lockedupliving@gmail.com or connect with us on: Substack: https://lockedupliving.substack.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LockedUpLiving Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomimurphypsychologist/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jones-41910b12/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/lockedupliving/
Episodes
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
182. Nahid de Belgeonne; Somatic movement and your nervous system
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Nahid de Belgeonne, a somatic movement educator, author and Feldenkrais practitioner discusses the importance of movement and the connection between the body and mind. Nahid argues that our bodies are dynamic organisms that need to be engaged and not confined to a sedentary lifestyle. She mentions the development of talking therapies that incorporate physicality, such as sensory motor psychotherapy and somatic experiencing, to address the need for a holistic approach to mental health. Nahid suggests that having a good relationship with oneself is crucial for building healthy connections with others. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and regulating our own nervous systems in order to create a positive environment for ourselves and those around us. We discuss how our bodies can unintentionally shut others out and the need to practice being comfortable within a system of coexistence. Nahid then talks about her upcoming book, "Soothe," which combines scientific research and practical techniques to help readers understand and regulate their nervous systems. The book covers various aspects of the nervous system, including its context, influences, and ways to recover and reset in moments of emotional distress. The conversation shifts to the role of movement in emotional well-being, with Nahid explaining that even individuals with restricted movement or injuries can benefit from engaging in movement-focused activities. She mentions the use of imagination to simulate movement when physical limitations are present. The discussion concludes with a reflection on the importance of self-care and finding what works best for oneself. Naheed shares her personal journey of using movement to soothe her anxiety and emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to self-improvement and compassion towards oneself and the environment.
https://nahiddebelgeonne.substack.com/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Soothe-book-nervous-system-longing/dp/180081710X/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3L4V4303AHM9U&keywords=soothe&qid=1695472552&sprefix=soothe%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-7
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
181. Claire Bicknell; Mastering the Art of Networking
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
In this episode of the Locked Up Living podcast, hosts Naomi Murphy and David Jones are joined by Claire Bicknell, the founder of the Catena Network, a successful business network. The discussion revolves around the value and importance of networking in both personal and professional settings. Claire emphasizes the need for authentic connections and likability when networking. She suggests that networking should be viewed as making business friends rather than a sales-focused activity. She also highlights the role of social media, particularly platforms like LinkedIn, in expanding networking opportunities. Claire advises individuals to use social media in a way that reflects their authentic voice, making it easier for others to connect with them. The hosts inquire about the benefits of networking for clinicians and academics who may already be well-established in their careers. Claire explains that networking can still be fruitful for these individuals, as it allows them to connect with experts in other disciplines and explore potential collaborations or referrals. Claire also shares tips for attendees to make the most out of networking events. She suggests arriving with an open mind, being approachable and friendly, and looking for opportunities to help others connect. As a host, Claire ensures that attendees have enough food and drink, and she facilitates introductions between individuals who have expressed specific networking goals. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of networking as a means of building relationships, expanding professional opportunities, and fostering collaboration. Claire's insights provide valuable guidance for individuals looking to enhance their networking skills and make meaningful connections in their respective fields.
https://www.catena-business-network.com/
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
180. Chloe Xhidas; Being a woman in the Construction Industry
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
In this episode of the Locked Up Living podcast, Naomi and David interview Chloe Xhidas, the Operations Manager at BW Design and Build Division, a fit out contractor specializing in office refurbishment. Chloe is also a committee member for the National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC).
In the construction industry, women are significantly underrepresented, making up only 15% of the workforce. Only 1% of women are in skilled trades, and 16% hold managerial positions. This lack of representation creates challenges for women working in construction, particularly on construction sites where they may face discrimination and inappropriate behavior from male colleagues. To cope with these challenges, women often develop a steely persona and strive to be better than their male counterparts to justify their place in the industry. They may feel the need to be perfect, not make mistakes, and constantly prove themselves. This can take a toll on their mental health and well-being. To address these issues and reduce the suicide rate in the construction industry, several measures can be taken. Implementing buddy systems and mentorship programs can provide support and guidance to women in construction. Training on mental health awareness and creating a culture of open communication can also be beneficial. Companies can promote an inclusive and respectful work environment by addressing inappropriate behavior and promoting gender equality. While progress may be slower in larger organizations, smaller teams and companies may offer a more supportive and visible environment for women. Building confidence and not being afraid to ask questions or admit not knowing everything is crucial for young women starting out in construction. Overall, it is important to address the challenges faced by women in construction and create a more inclusive and supportive industry that values their contributions and prioritizes their well-being.
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
179. Tony Gammidge, the power of art therapy through animation
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Artist and art therapist Tony Gammidge discusses his work using animation as therapy, particularly in prison and refugee settings. He shares his personal journey of discovering art as a means of processing trauma and making sense of early experiences. Tony explains the power of storytelling and the unique qualities of animation in therapeutic work. He also discusses the challenges and rewards of working in marginalized communities and the potential for animation therapy to create positive change. While Tony acknowledges the therapeutic nature of his work, he hesitates to label it as traditional therapy and emphasizes the collaborative and empowering aspects of the process. In this conversation, Tony Gammidge discusses the niche of art therapy and animation, the challenges and joy in art therapy, the alchemical process of art therapy, self-care and grounding techniques, and processing emotions in art therapy.
Takeaways
Animation can be a powerful medium for therapy, allowing individuals to tell their stories and process trauma in a unique and creative way.
Working with marginalized groups, such as prisoners and refugees, requires sensitivity, flexibility, and an understanding of the specific challenges they face.
Animation therapy offers individuals the opportunity to explore their experiences and emotions through a collaborative and empowering process.
The use of animation in therapy can provide a sense of control and autonomy for individuals who may have limited agency in other aspects of their lives. Art therapy and animation are niche fields, but they can still be successful business models.
Engaging in art therapy and telling one's story can be a joyful experience, even if the story is traumatic.
Art therapy has the power to turn something awful into something beautiful through the alchemical process of creation.
Self-care in art therapy involves making one's own work, using materials, and telling one's own stories.
Processing emotions in art therapy can be challenging, but having a team to process with can be helpful.
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
178. Rob Hosking. The trauma of policework
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
In this conversation, Rob, a former police officer, discusses his experiences and the challenges he faced in the police force. He emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and positive work environment to promote the well-being and happiness of staff. Rob believes that open communication and safe spaces for sharing personal stories are crucial in addressing the negative impact of the job. He also highlights the need for mandatory meetings to address mental health and create healthy habits within the organization. Rob shares his own struggles with mental health and the difficulty he faced in seeking help due to the stigma associated with it. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and supportive individuals. Rob also talks about his current work as a motivational speaker, where he focuses on increasing happiness in both personal and professional lives. The conversation touches on the negative impact of gossip and the need for a more compassionate and understanding culture within the police force. Rob and the other participants discuss the challenges of compartmentalizing emotions and the importance of facing and healing from traumatic experiences. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for a shift in the culture of the police force to prioritize the well-being and mental health of its staff. It emphasizes the importance of open communication, support, and creating a positive work environment to promote happiness and resilience.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robrthosking/?originalSubdomain=uk
https://riseofhappiness.com/about/
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
177. Aneela Ahmed. Psychotherapist and former OT on having her voice heard as an OT
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Now a psychotherapist Aneela worked for many years as a qualified occupational therapist and has 20 years’ experience working within the NHS supporting people with their mental health difficulties and well-being. Her specialisms are trauma work, working with people who have a diagnosis of BPD and culturally adapted therapy. She talks about her challenging years working as an OT in a mental health team and the expectations, sometimes explicit, that she would make the tea!!
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
If you have anything to do with health or the mental health field you must listen to this podcast and follow the links below. This is about the creeping reintroduction of the practice of causing physical damage to the brain as a 'remedy' for distress. Peter Sterling is an American physiologist and neuroscientist and Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. In his long career he has made major and varied contributions to scientific knowledge and you will see more about this in the links below. He has also been a social activist throughout his life and we touch upon that before talking about his recent work ‘Causality in Mental Disturbance; a review of the Neuroscience’
'My life in ten minutes' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjL2D29acro&t=11s
In the essays below, Peter provides an “overview of what we don’t know about the brain regarding mental disturbance and what we should not be doing to the brain physically and chemically as ‘therapy."
https://www.madinamerica.com/2023/07/causality-mental-disturbance/
https://www.madinamerica.com/2022/10/neuroscientist-evaluates-depression/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35107578/
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
175. David Shipley: Being posh in prison
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
I’m David Shipley. I’ve sold fork lift trucks, been a recruiter, worked in corporate finance and produced a film. I also committed a fraud in 2014, which I was jailed for in 2020. The prison system I saw horrified me. It is neglectful, cruel and seems almost designed to maximise reoffending. In August 2021 I was released, determined to make a difference. Now, I write, campaign and speak on prison reform. I work as a consultant prison inspector, and I’m always happy to talk, mentor, or write about those experiences. During my time inside I wrote a journal every day. This outlet helped my mental health, in particular during lockdown when I was confined to my cell for almost 24 hours a day. I then heard about the Koestler Prize and entered works in 2020 and 2021. I was delighted to be awarded prizes in both years and this spurred me to take my writing more seriously.
In January 2021, while still in prison, I began an MA in Creative Writing with the University of Hull, which has encouraged me to write fiction, with a bias towards historical and fantasy genres.
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
174. Piers Cross; ’Do not grass’. Boarding school culture.
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Piers Cross is a transformational coach specializing in working with men who feel stuck in their relationships. He helps men overcome and heal from trauma, boarding school issues, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and live a happier and more fulfilled life.
He is also an artist, a poet and a musician.
Piers went to boarding school from ages 11-18. It was an exceptionally challenging time. He changed his name to Simon and then Ziggy Cross. He lost a friend to suicide, a teacher attempted to sexually abuse him and he tried to take his own life. On the surface he was a sucess. Underneath he was hurting.
he then trained in International Business at universities in France and London. he worked for several Fortune 500 companies in Paris and London.
In 1997, while in London, he started on an internal journey and started to study meditation and different self-healing paradigms.
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
173. Gethin Aldous, film and video game maker on award winning documentary, The Work
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Gethin Aldous is film and video game maker who believes in the power of story to transform lives. He was co-director and executive producer of The Work documentary, winning a UK Grierson Award for Best International Doc and Best Cinema Doc. He has also been honored with a Ron Herring Award by the Mankind Project USA. Gethin has been involved in men's work for over a decade and has staffed group therapy retreats at Folsom Prison with Inside Circles and Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Norfolk with the Jericho Circle.
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Stella Assange is a lawyer and human rights defender. Throughout her career, she has been an international advocate for human rights, most prominently in the case of her husband.
We are really pleased to welcome Stella to our podcast . Stella is a human rights lawyer who was born in South Africa and she's the wife of Julian Assange who's the founder of WikiLeaks and a prisoner at HMP Belmarsh and Stella and Julian have two children.
Julian Assange is held in the high security Belmarsh prison with the expectation that he will be extradited to the USA on charges related to the publication of government lies relating to, among others, the Iraq war.
Donate to Julian's legal costs here; https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/assangeappeal/
Donate to the UK campaign here; https://dontextraditeassange.com/donate/
Sign up here if ypu want to receive a text message on the upcoming hearing, when the date is known - https://dontextraditeassange.com/day-x/
Lobby your MP; https://dontextraditeassange.com/email-mp/
Other ways to help; http://www.freeassangeemergencytoolkit.com/
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
171. Ros Watts: Integrating Psychedelics in Therapy
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Ros Watts is a clinical psychologist whose work as the clinical lead for Imperial College, London's psilocybin trial has made her one of the most prominent voices in the field of psychedelics, she has been named as one of the 50 most influential people in psychedelics, as well as being in the top 16 women shaping up the field and you might recognize her from the Michael Pollan series on Netflix, "How to change your Mind".
Website: acerintegration.comInstagram: @acerintegration
https://www.drrosalindwatts.com/
https://acerintegration.com/
Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
170. Natalia Galicza: Abuse of power in California’s prisons for women.
Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
Key points from the conversation;
- Natalia Galicza is a journalist who specializes in narrative non-fiction writing.
- She wrote an article titled "The Women That Me Too Left Behind" about abuse in federal prisons for women in California.
- The article focuses on the case of a former inmate named Melissa, who experienced abuse from the warden at the Federal Correctional Institution of Dublin.
- The abuse included sexual and physical misconduct, as well as grooming and manipulation. - The article highlights the power dynamics and vulnerability that incarcerated individuals face when trying to speak up about abuse within the prison system.
- The abuse at FCI Dublin is seen as indicative of a larger issue within the federal prison system, with widespread allegations and a culture of abuse.
- Efforts to address the issue include proposed reforms, such as increased transparency, independent investigations, and compassionate release for survivors of abuse.
- The Bureau of Prisons has been resistant to implementing these reforms, and advocates continue to push for change.
Natalia Galicza is a journalist from South Florida who specialises in narrative nonfiction writing.We talk to her about her article 'The women that ‘Me too’ left behind' a powerful investigation into abuses of power in California's prisons.
She graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's in journalism and a specialization in magazine and feature writing.
While at UF, Galicza led Atrium magazine through its first year as its founding executive editor. Atrium is UF's first student-led narrative nonfiction magazine, which aims to share deeply reported and artfully told stories about the Sunshine State.
She interned for the Bitter Southerner and the Miami New Times as an undergraduate student and has since written for Flamingo magazine, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, and the Miami Herald.
She has also reported award-winning, long-form stories for WUFT News, an NPR affiliate newsroom in Gainesville, Florida, and Fresh Take Florida, a statewide news service through WUFT News.
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
While Sarah is a co-founder and CEO of CeraThrive she emphasises the imprtance of early morning and evening as a natural way to take the red light that we all need.
Sarah Turner has a postgraduate degree in Clinical Neuroscience from Roehampton University in London. She also holds BSc degrees in Psychological Sciences and Nutritional Medicine from Westminster University and Thames Valley University, respectively. Currently, she is pursuing a diploma in Photobiomodulation at the University of Montpellier in France. During the initial decade of her career, Sarah worked as a research scientist in the pharmaceutical industry. Her role involved planning and conducting experiments to examine the impact of electrostatics on physiology.
Sarah actively participates in the Biohacker movement and has had the opportunity to interview prominent thought leaders, visionaries, and experts in the field of Biohacking. Through these interactions, she has gained a deep understanding of the crucial role of physics in relation to biology. This has ignited her interest in the areas of quantum biology in health, photomedicine, and consciousness studies. Sarah's primary focus lies in photobiomodulation, which involves utilizing specific light wavelengths and pulsed frequencies to enhance optimal functioning, with a specific emphasis on brain-related issues. As the Co-Founder and CEO of CeraThrive, she spearheads the production of a red light therapy system that specifically targets the gut-brain connection.
https://www.cerathrive.com/about-us
Wednesday Oct 04, 2023
168. Rebecca Morgan. Sex and sexuality among inpatients (and prisoners).
Wednesday Oct 04, 2023
Wednesday Oct 04, 2023
Rebecca Morgan is a trainee clinical psychologist who's exploring how people in hospital express their sexuality. We spoke with Rebecca after seeing an advert she posted for research participants, and it really made us wonder why we'd taken so long for this subject to be explored.
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
167. Jamie Bennett. New Managerialism and prisons
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
See key points at the bottom.
Dr. Jamie Bennett has worked in prisons and wider criminal justice system since 1996 and held a number of senior positions. He is currently Chief Strategy Officer at the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales. He was previously Governor of HMP Long Lartin, a high security prison; HMP Grendon, the only prison to operate entirely as a series of therapeutic communities; HMP Springhill, an innovative open prison which helps men to prepare for their release and resettle into the community, and; HMP Morton Hall, a women’s prison working with a diverse international population.
Jamie was editor of the Prison Service Journal for 17 years and has published over 100 articles and reviews in peer review publications covering topics including: prisons and the media, social inequality and imprisonment, and the development of managerialism. He is the author of The Working Lives of Prison Managers: Global change, local cultures and individual agency in the late modern prison (Palgrave MacMillan 2015), The Penal System: An Introduction Sixth Edition (with Paul Cavadino, James Dignan and George Mair, Sage 2019) and Prisoners on Prison Films (with Victoria Knight, Palgrave MacMillan, 2021). He has also produced four other books: Understanding Prison Staff (ed with Ben Crewe and Azrini Wahidin, Willan 2008); Dictionary of Prisons and Punishment (ed with Yvonne Jewkes, Willan 2008); The Prisoner (ed with Ben Crewe, Routledge 2011), and; Handbook on Prisons (ed with Yvonne Jewkes and Ben Crewe, Routledge, 2016).
Much of his writing has been on the management of prisons and most recently on the disruption to such management by the pandemic in his paper ‘Disrupting prison managerialism: Managing prisons in an age of pandemic’
Key points from the conversation;
1. The process of managerialism in the prison system can be dehumanizing and lead to a focus on meeting targets rather than caring for people.
2. There had been a shift in the culture of management, with a greater emphasis on targets and less commitment to broader corporate approaches.
3. The disruption caused by the pandemic led to a recalibration of the relationship between national and local levels of management, giving managers more discretion in implementing guidance.
4. The pandemic also led to a reinvigoration of a sense of place and community, with managers focusing more on the needs of their local community.
5. The experience of managers may have differed from that of ground floor staff, who sometimes felt ignored by top-level management.
6. The prison system experienced a shift from performance targets to change management in order to achieve reductions in resources.
7. There are ongoing changes in the prison system to give more choice and discretion to high-performing managers and to push strategic decision-making to a more local level.
Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
Today's conversation is with Chris Scanlon and John Adlam. Chris and John are both psychotherapists and they worked together at the Henderson Hospital which was sadly and unjustly defunded in 2008. They prefer to think of themselves as working and thinking as inter-professional and trans-disciplinary. They have worked together for about twenty years and written a number of papers around the theme of the unhoused mind. In 2022 they published the highly praised book ‘Psycho-Social Explorations of Trauma, Exclusion and Violence: Un-housed Minds and Inhospitable Environments’
Christopher Scanlon is a psycho-social consultant/researcher and consultant psychotherapist in forensic and adult mental health. He is a training group analyst and the Institute of Group Analysis and the Irish Group Analytic Society, and founder member of the Association for Psychosocial Studies.
John Adlam is a group psychotherapist and independent researcher, working mainly in the National Health Service, UK. He is a founder member of the Association for Psychosocial Studies and a former Vice President of the International Association for Forensic Psychotherapy.
https://www.routledge.com/Psycho-social-Explorations-of-Trauma-Exclusion-and-Violence-Un-housed/Scanlon-Adlam/p/book/9780367893316
Key points from the conversation.
1. The conversation is focused on themes from a book that explores social, political, and individual dynamics.
2. The authors emphasize the use of parable, storytelling, poetry, myth, and allegory to convey their ideas.
3. They discuss the need to avoid using other people's stories and instead focus on lived experiences and conversations.
4. The conversation touches on the current state of ruling powers and the potential for a depressing exploration of societal issues.
5. The authors discuss the benefits of working together on projects and the importance of collaboration and multidisciplinary approaches.
6. They mention the need for psychologists and psychotherapists to engage more with the world outside of their consulting rooms and to work together with other professionals.
7. The authors express a sense of passion and hope in addressing societal issues, despite the potential for suffering.
8. The conversation concludes by highlighting the rewarding nature of the book and the depth of its ideas.
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
165. Kym Staton, Filmaker: Tragedy and injustice of Julian Assange, founder of Wikileaks
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
This conversation features award winning film director Kym Staten, who's based in Australia. Kim has devoted nine years to the documentary industry.
He's the founder and director of Films4Change, an educational enterprise that's been operating since 2014. And initially Films4Change was a hybrid distributor bringing live in person cinema screenings. of documentary films to 90, 90 cities across the world, including Australia, New Zealand, New Zealand, the UK and America.
During the pandemic, Films4Change evolved into streaming with their platform, Films4Change.stream, launching in May 2020. (https://filmsforchange.stream/) In 2021, Kim put himself behind a camera and a pen and he lends his highly trained eye for subject interpretation and narrative to direct his first documentary. The Trust Fall, includes eight animations and 23 interviews with Kim directing, co producing and writing the powerful narration for the film. (https://www.cinemanova.com.au/films/mdff-trust-fall-julian-assange-the)
This powerful film has won various awards and continues to be shown in festivals all around the world as it gears up for cinema release. We have watched quite a few films about Julian Assange and WikiLeaks and whilst most made us feel predominantly very angry, The striking thing about this film was it also made us feel deeply sad.
Key points from the conversation;
The film discusses the mistreatment and violation of due process in Julian Assange's case, including manipulation of evidence. - The film includes animation to provide a brief overview of the history of free speech. - WikiLeaks is known for publishing accurate and thoroughly researched documents. - The filmmaker reached out to various individuals, including John Shipton, Daniel Ellsberg, Tariq Ali, Nils Melzer, and John Pilger, to be interviewed for the film. - The film focuses on the treatment of Julian Assange and the decline of press freedom. - The filmmaker wanted to explore the reasons behind Julian Assange's persecution and the lessons to be learned from his exposures. - The accusations of rape against Julian Assange were seen as a way to destroy his character. - The plan to destroy Julian Assange and WikiLeaks involved a team of individuals assigned to the task.
The United States has played a significant role in various aspects discussed. Here are some key points:
The United States has been at war for a significant portion of its existence, with 235 out of 247 years being marked by war.
The U.S. has been responsible for 20 million deaths, although it is not specified in what context or time period.
The U.S. has 750 overseas military bases, indicating its global military presence.
The film highlights the shocking figures related to the Iraq war, including three million deaths (with 80% being civilians), five million orphans, and nine million refugees.
The film also features footage of unarmed civilians being murdered by American forces, which is described as a war crime and embarrassing for the U.S. government.
The U.S. government is implicated in the plan to destroy Julian Assange and WikiLeaks, with evidence of a task force assigned to this purpose.
The U.S. government is accused of covering up the truth about the killing of civilians in New Baghdad in 2007, where Reuters journalists were mistaken for carrying weapons and were shot down.
The document does not provide a comprehensive overview of the United States' involvement in various global events or its foreign policy. It focuses on specific aspects related to war, military presence, and the treatment of Julian Assange.
Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
164. Joseph Davies: food and obesity in psychiatric and forensic populations.
Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
Dr Joe Davies, Chartered Psychologist, and lecturer in Applied Psychology at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Joe’s research primarily explores the causes and consequences of obesity within secure psychiatric inpatient services. Following his PhD, Joe worked for the National Collaborative Commissioning Unit of NHS Wales on Welsh Government commissioned projects aimed at improving care for secure inpatients, subsequently publishing the national review of secure inpatient services: Making Days Count. (See main points of the conversation below)
Weight Gain is Not Associated with Antipsychotic Medication, Sociodemographic Factors, or Diagnosis in a Welsh Secure Mental Health Unit (tandfonline.com)
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6011-8591
Main points from conversation,
- The conversation is about the issue of weight gain and obesity in forensic health and prison settings. - We discuss the lack of data on whether going to prison or hospital leads to weight gain or weight loss. - The importance of interviewing patients to understand their experiences and perspectives is emphasized. - We mention the potential link between overeating and trauma as a way of protecting oneself. - Attentional bias, where individuals pay more attention to salient stimuli, is discussed as a potential factor in weight gain. - The lack of integrated physical health care in forensic settings is highlighted. - The need for better nutrition and healthier behavior in prisons is mentioned. - The importance of patient involvement in shaping policy and improving care is emphasized. - The complex interaction of various factors contributing to weight gain is acknowledged. - The lack of input from nutritionists in forensic settings is mentioned. - We highlight the need for more research and awareness to bring about lasting change in addressing weight gain and obesity in forensic health and prison settings.
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
163. Eileen Chubb: Founder of Compassion in Care on Whistleblowing and social care
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
See the main points at the bottom.
Eileen is one of the BUPA7 whistleblowers, the first case to use uk whistleblowing law. As a result of her experiences She founded the charity 'Compassion in Care' to help protect vulnerable elderly people and whistleblowers. They have to date supported13k whistleblowers and 9k families of abuse victims. Eileen has written three books
'Dismantling the façade'
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1915643910/ref=syn_sd_onsite_desktop_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&pf_rd_p=9063114e-563d-44f5-8cdc-badd8f379876&pf_rd_r=DWTEV4066KWQTGC0G10S&pd_rd_wg=QgaS0&pd_rd_w=0w3JF&pd_rd_r=22971bf0-50ce-4f52-9d8e-cccdba5ee61a
There is no me in whistleblower, the case for Edna’s Law
https://www.amazon.co.uk/THERE-NO-ME-WHISTLEBLOWER-TWO-ebook/dp/B084X7W89B/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2KED63MHR2HLS&keywords=There+is+no+me+in+whistleblower+eileen+chubb&qid=1688138105&s=books&sprefix=there+is+no+me+in+whistleblower+eileen+chubb%2Cstripbooks%2C76&sr=1-1
They also have a petition for Edna’s law https://www.change.org/p/protect-the-protectors-with-edna-s-law-need-one-law-for-all-whistleblowers-ednaslaw-whistleblowing
Their website www.compassionincare.com has extensive information on both whistleblowing and abuse of vulnerable people.
Their most recent reports include abuse of LGBTQ elders. How the proposed whistleblowing law is currently being dictated by those with financial interests in exploiting whistleblowers. This is a small sample of their work.
https://compassionincare.com/news/stripped-of-pride/
https://compassionincare.com/news/democracy-what-vested-interest-cash-buys/
https://compassionincare.com/news/no-owb-our-letter-to-the-prime-minister/
They also founded https://www.thewhistler.org/ for whistleblowers from all other sectors.
Main points from the conversation
Eileen and six other whistleblowers witnessed abuse in a care home.
They reported the abuse to their manager, who told them to gather evidence.
Eileen believed that reporting the abuse would save lives. But she found that reporting alone did not bring change.
She initially felt alone and isolated in their fight against the abuse.
The experience transformed Eileen into an outspoken advocate for justice.
Eileen believes that whistleblowers should be compensated for the loss of trust they experience.
She learned about the justice system through reading "The Rule of Law" by Tom Bingham.
Eileen criticizes the way whistleblowers are treated differently based on the sector they work in.
The inquiry report that supported the whistleblowers' claims was initially suppressed by Bupa.
The head of Bupa care homes denied the allegations and called the whistleblowers liars.
Eileen and the other whistleblowers had to go to the media to expose the abuse.
The abuse allegations were supported by evidence and independent reports.
Eileen found fulfillment in caring for patients with dementia.
Eileen highlights the difference in whistleblower protection between the US and the UK.
In the US, whistleblowers can receive financial rewards, while in the UK, they may only get their job back.
Eileen acknowledges the importance of a courageous individual who released the suppressed report in court.
Bupa hid abusers in other care homes, and the whistleblowers conducted surveillance to gather evidence.
Why 'Locked up Living?'
David is a psychotherapist who has worked leading therapeutic communities in English prisons and in Millfields, an NHS forensic setting in East London. Naomi is a Consultant Clinical and Forensic psychologist who was, for many years, clinical lead at The Fens, a treatment programme for serious offenders at HMP Whitemoor. We had both experienced painful and destructive forces in our work and so we set out to discover what things make a positive difference for staff and service users and what is it that makes things go wrong. Of course we found out that there is no easy answer but there are many fascinating and valuable experiences to be heard.