Many of us hit burnout in our working lives through working long hours and over stretching our energies.  We feel unable to slow down the pace and are driven to maintain a particular level of output.

There’s often a blame culture in our offices.  We’re loathe to be responsible for problems or situations.  Personal accountability is more than a buzz term.  It should be our norm.

The Company I work...

One of my colleagues is excessively demanding – with no understanding of how they brush up against me.

There’s many ways I could handle it, and sometimes I get it wrong.  But when I do, I apologise.

Some months back, I and my family said goodbye to my lovely ageing Uncle who at 96 was ready to leave this world.

He was my favourite individual in the whole world and he not being here will fill me ...

 I work in a place used to swearing.  But it’s not for me. 

I set my personal standards on swearing years ago, long before I worked in a Prison.  I never let my children swear at me or around  me – a...

In Education we’re well aware of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.  Being loved by others and having a good self-esteem is key for our wellbeing. So when others demonstrate their appreciation for us, it’s ...

Few of us manage well in the heat and it’s been a scorcher in the UK these past few weeks.

Working at HMP the heat is just another element in a precarious environment. Anything can inflame the situat...

I’ve been away but I’m back now.

We’ve all had periods when we’ve had to take a breather. Life can hit us unexpected with the big  things. And it can wear us down with the small accumulated things th...

You’ll know I work in a challenging place.  People expect it to be noisy and disruptive. But our Education Landings are generally harmonious – because the teachers create respectful places in which to...

At this time of year we often look back.  In doing so, I came across an article I'd written some years back when I was new to Prison Education. It gave me hope - I hope it does the same for you.

I’d ...

I’ve felt out of flow recently.  I’m usually buoyant and upbeat and able to chug my way through most obstacles. But I’ve noticed it become more of a struggle these past few weeks.

I don’t know about ...

I’ve always had a problem with my weight.  I eat to praise myself.  I eat to fill the parts I see as unfilled. And of course, I gravitate to the sugar – natch!

Sugar’s addictive, as are many things i...