Before we catch up properly… a bit about BLOGGING, something I plan to be doing a bit more of again now that Autumn (and pretty soon, Winter) is again upon us. People sometimes ask how MY VOICE is at the heart of this blog, given that I don’t use SPOKEN WORDS or tap out my thoughts on a keyboard myself. In all areas of my life, my family and PA’s (many of whom have known me a very long time) are alongside me… sharing experiences, watching, listening, checking with one another how they think I’m feeling about things, what it is I’m saying in the many different ways I use to say it. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and boy, do they take one hell of a lot of PHOTOS! My blog, like so many areas of my life is CO-PRODUCTION in its purest form. So back to BLOG business and a CATCH UP. FUNSince Boris stuck to my interpretation of The Road Map, I have made the most of going to my favourite local pub and sitting outside. At first we had Winter coats and blankets, sometimes umbrellas but there has been sunshine. Much needed. As ever Ma has been there with the hand gel and policing a safe distance! Summers always would see me with a crammed diary… road trips, festivals, cinema, visiting family in France, London on the train and making the most of all the things that go on in my home town of Cambridge. All this has stopped for now... but we have been on Camper van picnics, visited the sea and walked the dog. The best part of the year so far was my FOLK FESTIVAL at HOME. It was a huge success. We painted all the signs, had a detailed COVID Safety Plan with Live music and drumming late into the night. I had my own VIP safe area and even slept out that night under canvas. PROPER FESTIVAL STUFF. SLIGHTLY MORE SERIOUS STUFF. As well as not being able to be free to join in with all of the stuff that I usually enjoy there have been some changes and challenges around staying safe and well. Before Covid Times I had worked hard for many years to be able to go and see my GP and know that I could have all sorts of reasonable adjustments to support me to advocate for myself… by just being there and well known by reception and clinical staff. Much of this progress seems to have been chipped away. Ma and my PAs have to spend a lot of time talking to admin staff through a crackly intercom on a locked door... I have become a little invisible in the process.
The COVID BOOSTER jab is another worry. I had my second jab well over six months ago and although I was told to SHIELD for all of those months and have had more than my fair share of hospital admissions….. I have not been offered a follow up BOOSTER . We have tried everything… GP, NHS ON LINE, 119… but we just cannot book. It seems that it depends where you live and not whether you have a very serious need. My GP always used to help and support me with these sort of situations but now there is no clear advice…. just “wait for the NHS to be in touch”. Are people who have Learning Disabilities and were SHIELDED for all of those months finding the same barriers? Seeing the dentist is another challenge…more of that next time SO WHAT NOW? My Birthday always means that the clocks will change and I will need to adjust for a while… it always means taking extra care around colds, flu and all those things. COVID has meant that I lockdown even more in these darker months…… HOWEVER…… There are cakes to cook. Fish n’ Chip Takeaway Fridays Gigs to plan in the garden next year AND….. After years of not working, I have joined THE VALUING PEOPLE ALLIANCE as a member of their ADVISORY GROUP. My role is to represent people with Learning Disabilities and… Complex Needs… as ever there will be a lot of issues! This BLOG is a connection and open invitation for people to share any experiences they have… I will add them to my own lived experiences and share with the hope of changing and improving lives. Can but try... again! LAST THING… Instead of updating my CD Player, I have invested in an air purifier...
A BIG ONE
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AuthorHello, I'm Christian, welcome to my blog. Archives
October 2021
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