Blogs

Speaking at a recent conference on Mental Health and Young People in Devon, psychologist Dr. Kate Middleton inspiringly encouraged participants to reflect on resilience for teenagers. Coping with challenge and change has maybe never been so difficult than in today’s world, so how can one adapt from the weathers of life and recover from adversity?

This question, when addressed to us all, echoes uncannily with the even greater uncertainties about the ecological crisis we are inflicting on planet Earth - our common home. How can we apply resilience to absorb the shocks that are...

At the recent Exeter Diocesan clergy conference our three Bishops participated in a panel answering questions from the floor on a variety of contemporary topics. One of those raised was, ‘what are the greatest social challenges facing the people of Devon who we seek to serve at this time ?’ The Bishops responded with helpful comments such as our ageing population, new housing developments, pressures on land-use and the future of farming, as well as health concerns including dementia, loneliness and mental well-being. Their replies prompted me to think about my own response and, whilst not...

Starting a business while you juggle the demands of your toddler may not seem like good timing, but consider this ...

You have a toddler running around, let's say their age is somewhere around the 2.5 year mark. Its probably time to potty train, you can't avoid it for much longer. And if you are crazy like me you will also have a 1 year old crawling around adding to the chaos.

Given that childcare costs for 2 kids easily adds up to £100 per day, you and your partner will most likely have made the decision that there is no point in one of you working. The thought process...

So, have the results of the General Election been good for the environment?! On the face of it, the Green Party did not gain ground, issues of ecological sustainability did not seem high on candidates’ agendas and Britain now has an Environment Secretary who is not exactly known for his green credentials. Is the outlook therefore bleaker than it was? Firstly, let’s identify six of the key challenges we face: a) Implementation of the Paris agreement on climate change b) Revising UK environmental policies after Brexit c) Addressing major air quality concerns d) Reviewing Britain’s energy...