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‘Trust‘ in ‘Care’?

The Government recently ordered an urgent review after the BBC‘s Panorama show uncovered ‘inhumane’ abuse of people with learning disabilities at a ‘state-of-the-art’ residential hospital.

4 people were arrested after secret filming showed vulnerable adults being inappropriately restrained, slapped and dragged across the floor, taunted by the people who were supposed to be caring for them.

Warning this programme could cause upset or offence. Click on the link and it should take you to BBC iplayer. or click on Undercover Abuse

In case the programme is not available anymore try this: Click here

Where do they learn these restraining moves?

What motivates a person to inflict such horrendous torture on to defenceless vulnerable people?

Whether that person is in a role of carer/ support worker or just to another human being for that matter? Where is the Empathy?

Restraining is always a last resort and only to be administered if the patient is a risk to themselves or others.

If I knew that this this kind of treatment was utilised, I would urge to have ‘Justice administered’ wouldn’t you?

How would you feel if a member of your family was being assaulted, abused and tortured in this fashion?

I like many others believe this is not an isolated case; there are probably numerous organisations and individuals (Staff) who operate in this despicable way.

As you may be aware one of my roles is as a supervisor of NHS staff but anyone; not just the people who work with vulnerable people, children, old age pensioners, or the mentally ill, either in a hospital, residential or domiciliary setting, within private or NHS employment, they SHOULD all be made accountable for their actions.

If this was to happen outside these settings in general then I would like to think that we are protected by law and we are well within our rights to involve the police and prosecute the offender, this is why we have ‘laws’ of the land.

Let me ask you; what would you do if you knew of a staff member who was capable of such brutal behaviour? How would you feel if this person was someone who you knew?

If you or anyone you know have any concerns regarding  care quality then click on this link; and get in touch with the Care Quality Commission NOW!

Apparently there are many warning signs;

I wonder how these people behave in their private lives.

To conclude; we’re not always protected from those who are disturbed, deranged or evil, sadly they do live and work amongst us and even the nastiest of people can seem very plausible.

Castlebeck statement to Panorama:

Whistle blowing 0800 077 077

Useful web sites in the event of witnessing abusive or inappropriate behaviours:

If there is a story you would like Panorama to investigate then you can e-mail or write to them.

“Please take the time to read this article and allow your self to digest the information, then, if you wish let me know what your thoughts are by submitting a comment in the box below or if you prefer simply click on the facebook share button at the top of the page and help spread the word…Alternatively if you wish to talk with a counsellor then please do not hesitate in contacting us. Thank you.”

Dawn Pugh MBACP – CHNC – NCSAG

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Ignorance is Pure ‘Ice’

Helping relationships enable and encourage us to experience and express a wide range of feelings, some pleasant and some not so pleasant. Offering an arena for growth and change rather than blocking or stifling by judgement or opinion.

By encouraging self activation and self assertion we identify our own unique individuality, wishes, dreams, and goals, and are allowed to be assertive in expressing them autonomously no matter how whacky or unachievable. One of the most cruelest things that one can do to is to squash dreams and rubbish the ideas of others.

“Please take the time to read this article and allow your self to digest the information, then, if you wish let me know what your thoughts are by submitting a comment in the box below or if you prefer simply click on the facebook share button at the top of the page and help spread the word…Thank you.”

You may be aware of Mr Masaru Emoto from Japan who began one of the most amazing phenomina of life. He observed and experimented with water and began to feed different levels of communication to the water. The communication was delivered in written form facing the water while it was stored in bottles before freezing.

Negative words like; ‘You make me sick, I will kill you’ made the crystals resemble an image similar to that of polluted water.

Words of ‘Love and appreciation’ resembled images of perfect cylindrical beauty.

The worst by a long shot were the ones that were ignored.

Believe it or not ignorance is a weapon.

Amazing when you consider that us humans are probably about 80% water.

Can you be alone without feeling abandoned or ignored?

Some people dislike being on their own. I personally am quite comfortable being alone at times, does this necessarily mean that those who dislike being alone are unhealthy?

I would say, only if they choose to be with the wrong kind of person. Exhibiting an attitude that to be with someone, anyone, is far better than not being with anybody at all. This way they could be leaving them selves wide open to abuse, manipulation and unhappiness.

Disagreements happen in healthy relationships all the time. Most often what makes a relationship healthy is the open and honest communication and a willingness to compromise when disagreements occur. With honesty we might not always like what we hear but at least we can achieve a better understanding of each other. When we have a breakdown of communication one person thinks one thing and the other person thinks another and more often than not they are both incorrect.

The unhealthy relationship is marred by a need to control one or the other. When arguments happen, a person can be made to feel bad by experiencing ridicule and name-calling. Controlling aspects are present when one need’s to dictate how the other is to dress, to think and to feel. This is abuse.

Fear, grief and rage are not and should not be a regular part of any relationship. Yes, people will get angry and sad from time to time through the normal course of life, but when it is constant and it achieves a level of ‘abuse’ – the relationship is not a healthy one.

“Oh, the comfort – the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person – having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together; certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then with the breath of kindness blow the rest away”. ~Dinah Craik, A Life for a Life, 1859

“Please take the time to read this article and allow your self to digest the information, then, if you wish let me know what your thoughts are by submitting a comment in the box below or if you prefer simply click on the facebook share button at the top of the page and help spread the word…Thank you.”

Dawn Pugh Therapy expert.

The ABC‘s of ASBO – Anti- Social Behaviour Order.

Anti-social behaviour is a term which describes a wide range of unacceptable activity, including vandalism, graffiti, fly posting, nuisance neighbours and intimidating groups of people taking over public places.

Anti-social behaviour can ruin lives and create a criminal gangland environment.

Reporting of anti-social behaviour is down to us the general public – if we do not report it nothing will be done to eradicate this problem.

The government wants effective action- on the ground level where it counts – out on the streets. Creating the belief that communities which are confident that anti-social behaviour will be tackled effectively are stronger and more secure.

In January 2004 the Anti-Social Behaviour Act was passed which introduced new laws.
Anti-social behaviour is a term used to describe incidents or actions that cause damage to an area or affect the quality of life of individuals.

The new ASBO (Anti-Social Behaviour Order) laws give the police, local authorities and housing association more powers to make the society in which we live safer.

If the police or a local authority has evidence that your behaviour is causing problems for the community, they can ask you to sign an acceptable behaviour contract (ABC).

ABC’s can be given to anyone no matter how old they are.

Acceptable Behaviour Contract;(ABC)

An ABC is a voluntary written agreement, it is not a criminal record but it does list a number of things that you can no longer do, like hanging out in certain areas with certain people.

ABC’s usually last for six months and you will be monitored by the local organisation that also signed the contract to ensure the agreement isn’t broken. If you break the agreement, the organisation will decide what action will be taken.

Dispersal Orders;

Another way that anti-social behaviour is being tackled is by using dispersal orders.
A chief police officer can put restrictions on certain areas that have been identified as areas where anti-social behaviour is particularly high.

Once an area becomes a dispersal zone, the police and community safety officers have the power to order you and your friends to leave an area after a certain time. They can do this if they suspect that anti-social behaviour has happened or may happen, and can exclude people from the area for up to 24 hours.

An officer can also ask anyone under 16 to go home after 9pm but cannot force them to do so, but a refusal is an offence.

If you are concerned about anti-social behaviour in your area generally, or if you’ve got a specific problem, you can contact your local authority and ask to speak to the anti-social behaviour coordinator, or call your local police. Visit the Direct Gov website for more information on ASBOs.

“Let me know if this was useful?”

Dawn Pugh Therapy expert.

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Why was Sparklebox Registered Offender Caught for the 2nd Time?

A former teacher and convicted paedophile who ran one of the UK’s biggest education websites has been jailed for a 2nd time for making indecent images of children.

Sparklebox, which allows customers to create classroom resources, has now been banned by many schools and councils.

The former teacher was jailed for 9 months in 2005 for downloading pornographic images of children from the internet while working at a Warwickshire school, but reinvented himself as “Samuel” after changing his name by deed poll.

Last week he was jailed for a year at Worcester Crown Court after admitting making more than 400 indecent and pseudo photographs of children.

A judge had lifted his internet ban back in 2005, after which the teacher set up Sparklebox. But he remained a registered sex offender and cannot work with children.

Police previously blocked Sparklebox during their investigations which led to fears the website wasn’t safe.

Their advice to teachers now is that it is safe to use, but anyone who has downloaded the website’s toolbar should delete it.

The former teacher’s latest offences were discovered by police in September 2009 even though he had been using sophisticated “eraser” software that automatically deleted the photographs. The court heard there was no suggestion he had been distributing pornography through Sparklebox.

His access to the internet has again been restricted.

It is unclear what will now happen to Sparklebox. The website’s blog has disappeared, but in an older post staff denied the accusations against the former teacher and said there was no “valid reason” for blocking the site.

!!! ACCESS DENIED !!!

What are your thoughts on this unbelievable story?

Dawn Pugh Therapy expert.

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Can we teach the ability to Stop Bullying and Teasing and Name calling?

“Dare we declare that teasing, arguing and even fighting are normal and necessary parts of childhood, or that the official anti-bullying and anti-abuse crusades are dangerous barriers to social development?”

sp!ked review of books | Bully for childhood

But when did you hear anybody dare to declare that teasing, arguing and even fighting are normal and necessary parts of childhood, or that the official anti-bullying and anti-abuse crusades are dangerous barriers to social development? …

Three Degrees of Freedom: Bully for You

So much so, that the very authorities who are given the task of checking out genuine cases of abuse and turn their backs and walk away, are in a furore of righteous vigour about the rights of children to be ‘safe. …

With Bullying, Suicide Risk for Victims and Tormentors – Well Blog …

I do know one thing, I believe that bullying does amplify suicidal tendencies as the victim can no longer cope and just wants out, why as bully would feel more suicidal than the victim of their abuse, I don’t quite understand. …

And finally…

Bullied to death: They committed suicide because of bullying

Unleash the Voice of the Abused; If you have ever been abused or experienced abusive behavior then you know only too well the implications about abuse. As you continue to read this article you will notice how you begin to absorb this sensitive yet somewhat unmanageable and on-going issue.

Court martial to hear bullying allegations (From The Northern Echo)

The army launched an investigation into allegations of bullying and abuse at the UK’s largest military base at Catterick, North Yorkshire following an undercover investigation by a BBC reporter. The accused are Colour Sergeant Michael …

Bullying, Harassment & Abuse

As a parent it is important that we understand the signs of bullying, harassment and abuse and take time to talk to our daughters so they may understand their rights and responsibilities. I have taken an excerpt from the Hockey Canada …

Cyber bullying and ‘sexting’ the focuses of presentation …

Martin added that, like child abuse, bullying can trigger a vicious cycle, with an individual who was a victim as a youngster possibly growing up to bully a spouse or children. The presentation noted that girls, more often than boys, …

Opposing Views: OPINION: Being Bullied Can Lead to Suicide in Kids

Many of these kids resort to substance abuse to blunt the pain and some progress to more violent behaviors and truancy. This is an issue that can impact any child in any type of town and socio-economic class. …

Internet Bullying or Cyber Bullying is Bigger problem than you …

10 Signs of Cyber-Bullying Abuse is Not Impossible: 10 Signs of Cyber Bullying Although the Internet is home to information and technology, it is also home to the worst kinds of human beings possible. The anonymity that the Internet …

Let me know how this information has affected you?

Dawn Pugh psychotherapist.

Parental Alienation Syndrome:

What is Parental Alienation Syndrome?

I intend to make you aware of this Alienation Syndrome that is allegedly happening to children in the U.S. Many are reporting that children are being forced to enter treatment programs. This controversial and very sensitive issue erupted last week following a Toronto judge forcibly removing three girls from their mother and  then sending them for treatment to a U.S. centre in an undisclosed location. This apparently is the third time this year.

As you continue to read you will notice how you absorb this information…

Canadian Psychologists (the level headed ones) are Speaking Out …

The parental alienation centres, which operate in relative secrecy, in part to avoid surprise visits by angry parents searching for children who have been seized, is to be debated at an Ontario Bar Association conference today. …

The Criminal/Presenters at the Canadian Parental Alienation …

I have been reading about the presenters at the upcoming Canadian Parental Alienation Syndrome Conference. Just as a primer on PAS, I read a great synopsis at RandiJames.com:. In short, it basically goes like this: …

Mom Loses Custody of 3 Children due to Parental Alienation | The …

Mister-M comments on the new that a Toronto Judge awarded full custody to a father who was systematically alienated from his children by a malicious mother.

Parental Alienation Syndrome | Relational Energy Healing

Parental Alienation Syndrom (PAS) is a painful condition I’ve experienced with my own children, and is an issue slowly making its way into public awareness. Parental alienation is considered a form of child abuse, deeply disturbing the …

Help Make Parental Alienation and Hostile Aggressive Parenting A …

HELP MAKE OBAMA AWARE OF PAS/HAP AS BEING CHILD ABUSE SO THAT HE MAY MAKE IT A FEDERAL CRIME AND NO COURT SYSTEM BE ALLO.

If you have anything to say about this subject please by all means submit a comment in the box below.

Many thanks

Dawn Pugh psychotherapist.

Drug addiction and treatment substance abuse happens quite legally. Prescription medicines are very addictive drugs. I have put together some interesting videos for your perusal.

Oxycodone is a strong opioid analgesic (pain killer) drug with a high potential to cause physical and psychological dependence. Once the addictive problems of heroin and morphine became well known, it was decided not to make pain killers using morphine substitutes.

Source: Addictionsearch.com

OxyCodone Addiction: This video does contain strong language.

Xanax and  Niravam, is a short-acting drug of the benzodiazepine class used to treat moderate to severe anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and as an adjunctive treatment for anxiety associated with  major depression.

Source: Wikipedia

Xanax (anxiolytic addiction and withdrawal)

If there existed a best ever rock band list, that consisted of the 100 greatest rock bands, then I would expect to see Metallica and Guns’n'Roses on that list. Who would you expect to see on the 100 greatest rock band list?

Did you know that Metallica, the world’s biggest heavy rock band, were widely ridiculed for making their last album, 2003′s comparatively sensitive St Anger, under the guidance of a psychotherapist.

In terms of regaining their primacy, Death Magnetic is every inch the record they needed to make: a more wisely chosen mentor, producer Rick Rubin, has them exploding anew with the battle-rabid, flat-out thrash-metal of their late-Eighties heyday.

Source: Telegraph.

Others who have been helped by Psychotherapy are Axl Rose. Lead singer from Guns’n'Roses. Where ever and when ever he felt the need, he flew his own personal psychotherapist to him and usually went through extensive emotional work for 4-5 days at a time.

Guns N’ Roses – Axl Rose Interview