Disabled? In receipt of benefits? Need social care?

Are there any thorny questions around these laws?

This is a different sort of blog for me - it's my journalist head trying to get at the truth of the matter, so this will be particularly relevant to you if you are disabled, in receipt of benefits or in need of social care. Two important pieces of … [Read more...]

Working mums – where’s the glamour?

1379748_pizza_smile

When people find out that you work in the media, they seem to conjure up this image of glamour in your life. That used to be true on some days before I had children, especially if there was a beauty launch or a wine and dine contacts event. Now … [Read more...]

A mum’s review of the health service in her town – what’s your story?

What's the score with Swindon's out-of-hours GP services?

I've been a bit slack on the blog front recently  - one of the reasons being that I've not been well, and having three children, we've passed it around. A severe throat infection that is. Having had a few weeks of nasty illness in Swindon, I've … [Read more...]

Are you rascist? Football matches or elsewhere? Are you sure?

No rascism even in the heat of the moment.....

I'm not a football fan - I've only been to a few matches and I've never grasped the off-side rule and, frankly, if someone explains it to me I'm asleep by the end of the very long sentence. But I have been interested in this latest argument about … [Read more...]

Your child is ill, it’s late – where do you go for medical help? A Swindon story.

Off to find out-of-hours medical help...again

Have you ever had an evening where you've been frustrated because you can't easily access a doctor when your child is ill? When you know what's wrong but you might need medicine so you will have to see a professional?   I've just had such … [Read more...]

First day back at school – what’s it like for you? From one Swindon mum.

First day at school can seem like a long, uphill slog

Today many children went back to school - as a mum of three, I have three of these days to deal with this year as all three children are at different stages. Today will possibly be the most long-winded and it reminded me of the trauma that many … [Read more...]

Good news stories that stay with you – especially if you’re a bit soppy!

Coffee and networking

Some good news stories just stand out for a journalist – think unusual, heart-rending, human interest and ‘slow time of year’. One I always remember, for me, showed the absolute key importance of contacts. In business speak, … [Read more...]

Do you ever feel like the worst working mum ever?

picture of two sisters

Do you ever feel like I do? As we get into June, this is one of the worst months in the year for the self-employed working mum. I get tired just thinking about it. With three kids, I’ve got three sports days, one induction evening at secondary … [Read more...]