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Dr.Stu.. @ 01-25-10 00:30
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Dr.Stu.. @ 01-19-10 22:20
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Dr.Stu.. @ 01-16-10 21:34
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Dr.Stu.. @ 01-7-10 20:05
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Dr.Stu.. @ 01-3-10 14:41
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Keith @ 12-24-09 23:05
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Dr.Stu.. @ 12-23-09 20:31
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Dr.Stu.. @ 12-14-09 13:01
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 Young Minds @ ACAMH. |
| Posted by Dr.Stu.. - 01-25-10 00:30 - 0 comments |
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Of course it's never easy selling the idea of the Mental health needs of Young People even to those 'Professionals' !? whose particular specialism this is meant to be .This is always the case when speaking about the Scouts.The truth is there is no hierarchy of need although the nineteenth century idea of the deserving poor has become linked with a lot of concern for 'Professional Middle Class families' that might be hit by the recession;these are the new deserving poor.
The 'Mental Health Foundation' has linked with the Guides and produced a Guide for Guides looking at 'Mental Health and Well being' it would be great if Young Minds did something similar with the Scouts.
The theme of the meeting was ways of gaining access to Children and Young People and I know that there are countless 'professionals' involved in this work who would run a mile or maybe several when it comes to having any contact at all with 'Young People' and there is a wealth of 'Journals' and other academic junk that deals with supposed research where researchers have asked for my help in gaining access to young people.Several have asked me to provide them with some form of security in case the 'wild young things turn rough or should it be turn wild'.
Young Minds does have it's 'VIK' Group [very important kids] Group who are just the best ambassadors for Young Peoples needs and concerns.
With all the Mental Health events that we run in association with a number of different bodies there is always a large input from Young People and having access to Schools,Youth Organisations and 'Faith Groups' as well as the seventeen thousand Young People on our List our events are always over subscribed.Although with many companies who stage these events now and whose main concern is their profit margin we are lucky in having free use of a classy venue with good catering and hospitality facilities at hand.
We are fortunate in having a 'Clinical Team' that has been together for a number of years and works with trust and good relationships.
Dr.Stu.. |
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| 'Young Minds Mental Health Manifesto' |
| Posted by Dr.Stu.. - 01-19-10 22:20 - 0 comments |
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Being able to attend this event at the House of Commons was particularly worthwhile as there were a number of MP's from all the main Political Parties that were anxious to show their support for 'Mental Health' services for young people.The situation across the country is very patchy and depending on where people live;they may be lucky or they may not.There is no one reason why Services for Young People should be so poorly resourced apart from the fact that they are least able to voice their concerns and frustrated Parents have little option but to pressurise their GP's for something to be done.
The Young People that spoke about their own mental health needs were very clear that they recognised that the MP's had the power to change the situation and as the Government has pulled quite a substantial sum out of it's own back pocket to send to Haiti it's difficult to understand just why it gives so little to the health needs of it's own Children and Young People.
Dr.Stu.. |
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| Earthquake. |
| Posted by Dr.Stu.. - 01-16-10 21:34 - 0 comments |
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Although like many others there is a feeling that we should be on a plane and doing something worthwhile. Perhaps the most worthwhile thing we can do is to donate as much cash as possible to help with this particular situation the like and scale of which has not been seen before.There are a large number of Scouts on the ground in Haiti although just how many have been killed is not known as the situation in so many parts of the Country is unclear.It was reported that the major Prison had been destroyed and that all the prisoners were running amok.The danger in the break down of Society is when people are unable to get food and water and the organisation of the relief is chaotic.It takes such a short time for the civilised norms of behaviour to change particularly with such a vast number of people involved.The after shock has now hit which of course increases the feelings of extreme panic and terror.There are two Colleagues who are joining the Clinical Teams leaving early next week.These two men have the specialist Surgical expertise required to treat paediatric patients.To be able to donate is certainly a moral requirement as far as I am concerned and is also a case of priority being given over other projects.The situation is likely to get a lot worse before it gets any better which means that there is a lot more suffering to go through and the number of those killed will increase.These are not killed by the Earthquake Proper but by the very people who themselves have suffered the untold trauma of the experience of the Earthquake.This has left them fighting for their lives a consequence of which is the death of others.
Dr.Stu.. |
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| 'The Harpenden Gang Show 2010' |
| Posted by Dr.Stu.. - 01-7-10 20:05 - 0 comments |
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Whilst London with all it's charms does have it's 'risky side'.In that you need to know where you are going;how to get there and how to 'get out of trouble' if trouble comes your way !
Once on the train from Central London to Harpenden you know that a bit like going to a John Lewis Store if you spot a 'Working Class Family' who may have wondered in by mistake you can request the Management of the Store to have them removed......'in a kindly way of course'
Looking around the Railway Carriage there was no cause to pull the emergency handle as a sea of happy smiling Professional and semi Professional Middle Class Faces 'beamed back'.
The train stopped once at St.Albans and all the semi Professional people got out.The true Aristocracy of the 'Chattering Classes' continued along with me to Harpenden.
It is but a short walk to the 'Home of Gang Show'. The Foyer is littered with adults in 'Scouty Uniforms' of one sort or another holding glasses of wine and eating assorted 'posh nosh'.
Was it I thought a protest by adults who were not permitted to take part in the Show......!?
Well of course not ! It was but the 'great and the good' 'Scoutocaracy' from Harpenden and Herfordshire who had come to see the Show.
I soon spot Ewan the Producer and Musical Director and after several glasses of wine and some of the 'posh nosh' I am in a highly receptive mood to see the Show their 61st in a continuous run.
For those who are forever fond of telling me that 'Gang Shows' are rubbish and waste a lot of 'Scouting Time' I always cite the Harpenden Show as an excellent example of how wrong they are.
It's true to say that all the 'Gang Show' Producers I have contact with are very modest people and it would be difficult to spot Ewan in a crowd as he completely un ego led.This of course allows all the creative energy to come from the young people on Stage.
And right from the Opening Number there is a wonderful feeling of 'Well Being' that is offered to the audience by those 'Young People'.
This is of course in part due to the particular focus given in 'Gang Shows' to there being no 'Stars' only the 'Troop' the 'Group' or the 'Gang' on stage.
This was one of the important features of the Shows right from the early days that 'Gang Shows' were part of Scouting not 'some activity' added on.
The Show featured 'Cinderella' by Ralph and two of his songs 'Crest' and 'Together'
and there were some wonderful set pieces that used spectacular staging.
The Cub Piece 'Horrid Henry VIII and Six Girlfriends' was certainly a Cub Scout piece in the true 'Gang Show Tradition' in that four of his "girlfriends" were boys!
The Harpenden Show unlike so many others had to turn away another 86 Scouts who wished to be in the cast.
The 'Scouting Spirit' is alive and well and can be found in this special unique entertainment.
For those who miss out on these Shows there are few enough theatrical experiences with real human emotion and creativity.
Wonderful;Just Wonderful:
Dr.Stu..
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| '2010' Ready with a Smile........!? |
| Posted by Dr.Stu.. - 01-3-10 14:41 - 0 comments |
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In London it all started with lots of bangs,flashes and coloured lights centred around the London Eye.At £17 a ride it becomes just one of the 'don't do's' for many visitors to the Capital particularly when they bring a party of Cubs or Scouts to London.On Friday morning it was all free not to ride but to see 'go up in smoke' as it were.For the thousands who had braved the crowds and the cold it was all worth it and for those of us who made a 'night' and a 'day' out of it there was the 'New Years Day Parade' in Central London as well. All rather good and a good way of pretending that going home and going to bed was something that was 'so last year',although it's this year as well.There was plenty going on and for the affluent Londoners and Foreign Visitors there was lots to spend their cash on.
From visiting other parts of this Country it's quite remarkable how rich London seems to be particularly when there seems to be so much of it.When many visitors only see other visitors in Oxford Street as they hunt for bargains or pay over the odds for food and drink in what they think is London chic.
As Schools.Scouts and Gang Shows open again for business the importance of a recognition of an uncertain future for many young people is again top of the agenda.Alcohol and all that comes in its wake is a hot topic as far as spending on health is concerned.This focus is on health mind you.The 'Well Being' is being left to Young People themselves and the Organisations that cater for them.A key Focus is on 'Explorers' although it should be to 'Beavers' that we aim our main concern as their future as far as jobs,family life and 'Well Being' is the very most uncertain.To do what our Fathers did is no longer an option when so few have fathers any more and for those that do in certain parts of the Country are work-less.Alcohol has always been a method of keeping reality at bay although it kills whilst it does this.Better some feel to be 'dead in the head' on the way to being 'dead in the heart'.
Happy New Year.
Dr.Stu.. |
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| Merry Christmas |
| Posted by Keith - 12-24-09 23:05 - 0 comments |
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On behalf of Craig (casmrvll), me and the rest of the Scout Forum UK I wish you all a:
MERRY CHRISTMAS
AND A
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
2009 was a great year for Scout Forum UK, although our planned relaunch didnt happen in the end, we have a new theme and we have just agreed to become the principal sponsor for Jays Big Adventure which means that every scout group in the country with its leaders and young people will see our logo and web address and find out about us. Plus it will be on the back of every single hoodie and tshirt which will be put on sale alongside other merchendise.
So have a great time and enjoy Christmas! |
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| Ayers Explorer Scouts Visit London. |
| Posted by Dr.Stu.. - 12-23-09 20:31 - 0 comments |
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If the Scout Association is looking for a forward thinking,dynamic and progressive face for Scouting in 2010 it needs to look no further than these Lads in Cumbria.As I spend all my professional life dealing with and supporting young people I must confess the four members of the Ayers Unit that came to London were a total revelation.For those syncs who can't quite understand how and why 'Scouting Makes A Difference'? "Well trust Me it Does" and the four Lads were a clear example of that fact.The direction and the motivation for the Unit comes from both the Members and their Leaders.The Unit Leader is Eddie Ward who came down with his Boys to attend the Climate Conference in London.Eddie is held in such high regard quite rightly as being a Leader that wants what his members want.There are some great photographs on the Ayers Explorer Scout site of their London trip and they just emphasis that you can see quite a bit of London in two days that even the people living in London have never seen.It would be difficult to identify all the places in the capital seen in their Photographs and you may wonder why anybody would be cruel enough to make them walk about in such extreme weather ? Well nothing like putting their claim to being fans of Extreme Scouting I thought !? I hope along with some other contacts to become Patrons of the Ayers Explorer Scout Unit.I know that there are a large number of local Scouts who are anxious to join.We will be setting up an 'Enterprise Project' that the Unit members can use to fund their activities as well as some other funding initiatives and my first visit to meet all the Explorer Scout Members and their other leaders will take place in the New Year.It's great to have some good Scouting friends and Keith with the Forum has made it possible for me to write this Blog throughout the year and I thank him and his Team for that."No put those tissues away" it doesn't mean I shall stop writing.As you can see in some of the Ayers Pictures for a young man I look quite old or is it the other way round ??
Joye Noel:
Dr.Stu.. |
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| "Drop Dead Simple......" |
| Posted by Dr.Stu.. - 12-14-09 13:01 - 0 comments |
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One of the most difficult aspects of the Celebration of Christmas is the rise in the number of Young People who 'take their own lives','kill themselves','take a one way trip to nowhere'.It dosn't matter what you call it the result is just the same.A young person so distressed that he or she can see or feel there is no future for themselves or that the circumstances of their lives is just so painful or distressing that to exist for one day more trapped in their lives is without hope.
What can be done ? As far as Scouts are concerned they have a good track record in keeping their Members 'alive and well' this is because of the 'support' provided by the 'Six',Patrol,Troop and Group.There is nothing like being known,liked and missed to keep 'Kids Alive'.
With the Leaders the situation is far more difficult as 'Depression' and 'Redundancy' can transform Adult lives and their role as 'Active Adults' can change almost over night.
Just how long Adults last after such a blow is debatable,although in some areas 'life chances' and 'life expectancy' is very low.
This difference can be found almost street to street in some areas and this includes London and almost every big City and Town.
The emphasis in Scouting on 'Health and Well Being' and of late 'Emotional Health' has a long track record although there are periods where the focus seems to change.This has been mostly just a change in language used in Scouting to identify these aspects of 'Adolescent Boys Lives'.Without hope of a future there can be no vision and vision is more than just a job it is being part in something worthwhile,something with an identity that can be shared with others.Scouting in it's many forms can give people a life force,a reason to live and a particular identity recognised by others.
"My Mum Thinks i'm An Angel. Skip Thinks I'm A Lttle Devil"
Just the best example there is of feeling real value !!
Dr.Stu..
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| 'The 'Well End Camp Patrol' Hertfordshire' |
| Posted by Dr.Stu.. - 12-10-09 22:53 - 0 comments |
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Oh dear ! that's me I'm afraid,not a very good influence.In fact at my School a Master once remarked that if I could find a Profession where I was paid to constantly talk to People then I would be 'set for life....'Anyway !
Our Patrol meet whenever we can.I have to say it is one of the most enjoyable things I do;and I am very fortunate in that most of what I do is very enjoyable.There are six of us in Our Patrol.I am the Youngest so I might get a chance at being a 'Patrol Leader' at some point or even a 'Patrol Second' ? All the members of the Patrol have different skills mine are 'Ambulance' [First Aid] and 'Paying for Lunch' which is fairly easy.We have not Camped yet as there is no Five Star Hotel near to 'Well End Camp',although that's me again not quite following the 'Scouting Spirit'.We are planning a 'Day Out' so I will need to get one of our Design People to 'knock up' a 'Parental Consent Form' although as all Our Parents are now dead it will need to be 'Medium Friendly'.....
I have to say we do play 'nicely' and we share our 'toys' and 'equipment'.We are having a special 'necker' produced and our 'Patrol Leader' stands no nonsense such as when we are told to stop what we are doing and 'pack up' for Lunch as we will need to leave the Camp in five minutes 'it is done'.Nobody in Our Patrol has used any 'Bad Language' or 'Smoked Cigarettes' although there are other 'Unscouty Things' that 'Boys' in other Patrols 'get up to','but not us' we are clean living and we don't 'Go Out With Girls'.....Probably because our Wives would object !!!
Dr.Stu..
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| 'Ayers Explorer Scouts. Carlise' |
| Posted by Dr.Stu.. - 12-8-09 18:04 - 0 comments |
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As far as supporting 'Scouting' in it's 'Many Forms' there are a few things that some people can do to encourage 'Scouting Enterprise',including 'putting their hands in their pockets' or 'Funding','Donations' and 'Sponsorship' whatever the word of the moment is.I have to thank 'Keith's Pals at 'escouts' for posting up the 'Ayers Explorer Scouts' new website the other month.I knew that when I read it it was most certainly something special.The site contains an impressive 'aim' and a 'philosophy'-take a look.I emailed their Leader Eddie Ward.I then spoke with Eddie on the telephone and 'I' was well and truly hooked.Like all my trips,visits and excursions amongst 'Scouting Folk' I have no pre conceived idea apart from a good feeling.
Ayers prides itself on what it calls 'Xtreme Scouting' or to quote the old 'Gang Show Song' putting the 'Out' in 'Scouting'.As 2009 winners of 'Dragnet' they are certainly 'Expert' at getting about.We thought it might be an 'idea' to set them a 'Challenge' for 2010 just to see if my initial perception was correct ; I think it is.
I have sent them some 'clues' in the post and I hope they don't have too many 'sleepness nights' trying to understand them.I see that Carlise has many more 'Adolescents' without formal Accademic qualifications than just about anywhere else in the UK ? This Group However are no dummies. I am going to stay in their area early in the new year and to host a bit of a 'get together' where we can meet. Luckily the 'Ayers' describe themselves as
"Completely barmy and raving mad....and that's just the Leaders ! "
'Well as they say they sound just up my street'
"Keep Using the cream Lads for the 'Acne Vulgaris'..........."
See You Soon !
Dr.Stu..
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