What the Word and Celebration of ‘Pride’ Means to Me

I was asked if I would write something about Pride. I feel ‘alarmed’. My initial question: is there anything that a middle-aged gay man could really add to the array of writings, posters, banners and rainbow shop signs (so many shop signs) that, like Christmas, seem to arrive earlier and earlier every year? I struggle to … Continue reading What the Word and Celebration of ‘Pride’ Means to Me

Inspire Inclusion: International Women’s Day

In celebration and awareness of International Women's Day, Natalie and Shanila from The Wellbeing Collective had a conversation about their experiences of being women in the workplace and their hopes for the future. The following blog shares their thoughts and feelings around this event.  Natalie: The theme for International Women's Day 2024 is ‘inspire inclusion’. … Continue reading Inspire Inclusion: International Women’s Day

Saunas and Ukraine: Co-Created Wellbeing

Have you been in a position at work where a 'wellbeing' initiative has been implemented and it fell flat, not quite meeting the needs of staff? It’s not uncommon and the solution is a simple but powerful one: co-creation for wellbeing. Essentially initiating a co-produced design that involves the implementation of what staff need, rather … Continue reading Saunas and Ukraine: Co-Created Wellbeing

My Experience of Being in an LGBTQ Blended Family

Pride Month Joan and I set up The Wellbeing Collective in 2014, three years after we had become a couple. I brought two small boys with me from my previous relationship which kicked off a whole world of learning for the four of us, as well as their dad, grandparents and friends.  I recall being … Continue reading My Experience of Being in an LGBTQ Blended Family

Health Inequalities – A Community of Practice Event May 2023 

On 18th May, Amy Hobson (CEO) facilitated a Health Inequalities community of practice event with the Academic Health Sciences Network at Oxford University. The event centred around how to increase health equity, community engagement and co-production in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. The following is her account of the day...  Being a consultant, I get to … Continue reading Health Inequalities – A Community of Practice Event May 2023 

My Evaluation of Queerbaiting

Harry Styles, Kit Connor and Yungblud are three prime examples of celebs who have been accused of queerbaiting.  Queerbaiting is the implication that you identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community (when in reality you don’t) in order to increase profit and sales.  In trying to understand why these people specifically are being put in … Continue reading My Evaluation of Queerbaiting

Respect: It’s not our place to pass judgement

"I’m a single mum. I’ll always be a single mum because I’m responsible for my sons, whether I’m living with Joe or not...There’s an assumption that if you’re with someone, like I am with Joe, you’re no longer a lone parent...I’ve done posts before [on social media] about how proud I am of being a … Continue reading Respect: It’s not our place to pass judgement