Claire Stone’s Post

We already know that trauma isn't just a possibility—it’s an inevitability. War, loss, abuse, death—these are perpetual traumas. And then there are the subtler, yet equally insidious traumas: oppression, corruption, deceit. They take root because we aren’t, or refuse to be, resilient to them. And where does this manifest more strongly than in art? It’s hard to find an artist whose work doesn’t reflect these struggles. Francis Bacon’s Father series comes to mind—one of my favourites—where his raw portrayal captures the intense social tension that resonates even today. Join us at our closing event, where we’ll delve into how art serves as a socio-psychological mirror. Meet artists who are brave about their souls, and engage with the public in this profound dialogue. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this conversation. Come to our webinar! See U there! A GAMIAN-Europe event. Supported by Bodywhys - The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland and EFPA (European Federation of Psychologists' Associations)

A special post to celebrate #YorkshireDay. Some voices on less respectable platforms have unfortunately described Doncaster as a backside, or rather a specific feature of a backside. Modesty prevents me from using explicit language, but I think you know what I’m saying. It’s obviously an inaccurate comparison; Doncaster is a city, and a backside is, well, primarily for sitting on. But whilst such petty jibes are more than a little disingenuous, in the interest of objectivity, let’s consider the evidence and get to the bottom of the matter. Exhibit A: Doncaster has a lot of cheek! 1 in every 220 people in Britain live here, over 300,000 people. As a borough we have more backsides, and much more booty to shake, than the likes of, say, Nottingham, Derby, or Newcastle. Exhibit B: Doncaster Royal Infirmary has a leading proctology department, the branch of medicine concerned with your back passage. Before finding fame, a young Harry Hill was one of the infirmary’s proctologists. Where other than Doncaster could the delicacies of your gluteal cleft be given a thorough going over by a BAFTA winning comedian (without paying to go private)? Exhibit C: Backside Lane, in the Doncaster suburb of Warmsworth, has featured in several lists of the UK’s rudest street names. In 2019 it polled within tantalising touching distance of Titty-Ho in Northamptonshire, but with a reassuringly comfortable cushion over Hebden Bridge’s Slack Bottom. Exhibit D: A 1995 episode of the aptly named sitcom Bottom saw Richie (Rik Mayall) and Eddie (Adrian Edmondson) preparing for a holiday to Doncaster. In a bid to get in shape, and woo the Donny ladies, the pair unsuccessfully attempt self-administered colonic liposuction with a vacuum cleaner (something I never imagined myself writing about on LinkedIn). Exhibit E: Most compellingly, Thomas Crapper, the 19th century inventor of the toilet cistern ballcock, heralds from Doncaster. There are hundreds of millions of toilets in the world today, with each and every flush inspired by Doncaster. Think about that the next time you are using the facilities. Exhibit F: For those of you with more delicate sensitivities, there are plenty of places in Doncaster where you can enjoy a bottomless brunch (see what I did there). Taking all of that into account, I don’t think we can be too surprised that, when some people think of Doncaster, a backside naturally springs to mind. Indeed, Doncaster has an opportunity to celebrate when it comes to the derrière, so let’s grab it (obviously not physically, as that would be totally inappropriate). And if you still can’t get behind Doncaster, well I couldn’t give a rat’s posterior! A very Happy Yorkshire Day to you all. Bottoms Up! #doncasterisgreat And if you didn’t feel this post was completely scraping the bottom of the barrel, then why not come along to Doncaster’s Celebration of City Status – details here: https://lnkd.in/enGnTvwZ

NENA Federation VP, Maureen Peters Gittelman shared some profound words today in our conference planning meeting. As hospitality and tourism educators, we inspire and guide our students every day. But to truly empower them, we must first prioritize our own well-being. "Self-care" isn't selfish; it's essential. When we take the time to recharge, reflect, and nurture ourselves, we become better mentors, ready to support our students in their journeys and embrace an "Ocean of Possibility". Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. Invest in yourself—your health, your passions, your peace. By prioritizing self-care, we not only elevate our own lives but also set a powerful example for our future leaders in the industry. Let’s cultivate a culture of care, for ourselves and for those we inspire! After all, we need to be well rested to make waves 🌊! #NENE2025 #SelfCare #Educators #Empowerment #HospitalityAndTourism https://lnkd.in/gUG7HMn2

📢 Important Update: LeDeR Annual Report 2023/24 NHS Birmingham and Solihull have released their LeDeR Annual Report for 2023/24. The LeDeR programme aims to reduce health inequalities and improve care for people with learning disabilities and autistic people. Since 2018, NHS Birmingham and Solihull have completed over 300 reviews, identifying 20 key priorities for change to help citizens live longer, healthier lives. This year, the annual report is available in an accessible video format. 🎥 Discover how local services are working together to deliver real change across Birmingham and Solihull and improve care for individuals with learning disabilities and autistic people. 👉 Watch the video here: https://bit.ly/4eU9HKr Join us in raising awareness and sharing this crucial resource. #LeDeR #LearningDisabilities #Autism #Healthcare #NHSBirminghamSolihull #AnnualReport #ImprovingLives

Links to Conversation piece (https://lnkd.in/gRjRsqic) and associated articles below...

2 days in Aberystwyth for creucymru.com conference. It is always a great reminder of the passion that underscores the performing arts sector in Wales It's been a difficult year, in fact a difficult few years. funding for Arts in Wales has dropped by 27% since 2010 and the impact is being felt deeply by artists, organisations and communities. Amongst the empathetic conversations about difficult decisions to cut provision, reductions in operating hours and losing staff it can sometimes be hard to know where to look for hope and possibility. But there is. Wales is in a unique position to lead. We already do. From Cultural wellbeing as a core pillar of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act to www.hynt.co.uk leading the way for Accessibility across the UK. The evidence relating to the benefits of investment in arts and culture for a healthier, happier more prosperous nation is undenianle. As is the contribution made by the people I have been sitting with for the last 48 hours make on a daily basis. We can't run on passion alone.

IT'S OFFICIAL: consuming arts and culture is good for your health and wellbeing, improves quality of life and productivity. This UK study, undertaken by Frontier Economics and the World Health Organization’s Collaborating Centre for Arts and Health cites 13 different groups of people – from the young to the old – whose health and wellbeing improved when they attended or participated in artistic pursuits. Read the full article from Guardian Australia to learn how these artistic pursuits, including going to the theatre, can have a personal and financial impact on individuals: bit.ly/4fIeOwZ

Today is the second meeting of the place based physical activity leadership network the first following the launch of An Active Wellbeing Service https://lnkd.in/eaFgEHxM. Perhaps those attending should start with a reflection on the new ministers, Lisa Nandy’s first speech. Don’t get hung up on the fact it is about heritage and museums but focus on the values and purpose of the new government. Today’s meeting will start flashing out how our vision of communities working with the sector to address health inequalities everywhere can be delivered. She is clear the government will challenge us to embrace change but invites us to challenge them. Let’s do that not with shouts for more money but with the evidence of what is already working and targeted requests to change the policies and behaviours that are getting in the way. Let’s show we don’t need a government to make us collaborate rather than compete. Good luck today to all those attending. Julie Russell, John Oxley, Ian Fytche.

Madness as a Protected Characteristic? One of my favorite things about our TALK FOR HEALTH website was—and still is—the Alice in Wonderland quote at the top of the homepage. Or rather, it’s a quote from Tim Burton’s wonderful film Alice in Wonderland. "Daddy, I saw a talking caterpillar. Does that mean I’m mad?" asks Alice. "You're mad, bonkers, off your head," replies her father. "But I’ll tell you a secret: all the best people are!" Often in my life, the people I’ve found most fascinating are the ones who would identify as ‘mad.’ It seems to me they also had a creative giftedness. I remember going to the Hearing Voices Network conferences in Savona and Cardiff years ago and finding the atmosphere like Hogwarts. These people were magical, creative, and special—living in a unique world quite apart from the muggles. At my son’s special school—the very wonderful Fairley House—it equally felt like a school of quirky but magical beings. The classrooms were named after famous people who had had learning difficulties: Einstein, Lennon, and Branson were three. It always struck me that there should be a special protection for those with unusual psyches. Not as ‘neurodivergent’ but something else. What, though? As a final note, I went to a Maudsley lecture years ago entitled: "Is madness the price we pay for our exceptional creativity [as a species]?" I think the answer is ‘yes.’ #MentalHealth #PeerCounselling #HearingVoices #TherapeuticInnovation #WellbeingThroughCommunity #CreativityAndMadness #Neurodiversity #CommunitySupport #AlternativeTherapies #InclusionMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #SchizophreniaAwareness #CreativeMindset

Take a moment to catch up on some of the great things that have been going on here at Serve City! Our Executive Director, Dr. Tammi Ector, brings you these exciting events through her regular blogposts. Follow the link below to read her latest article!