‘Looking forward to the future’

Reader poem:

I’m a lunatic, bi-polar, schizophrenic – sure am.

Manic depressive, 26 personalities (Multiple Personality Disorder) – I’m my biggest fan!

Borderline suicidal tendencies + thoughts at least twice a day – reflective, negative mental state – then changeable & I’m OK.

Moodswings, temper, muddled sense of knowing, nostalgic pain and hurt that just keeps on going.

Full of sadness, regret and P.D.S.D, delusions of grandeur, fame and OCD.

Mental capacity they first can’t figure out – so many hospital admissions -yes really- without a doubt.

Sectioned and manic for the state of mental health – CCTV and monitoring so I don’t hurt myself.

28 days later the section is extended, mostly down to behavioural traits and moods then it’s amended.

New adjustments to the meds and stabilising feeling, no more arguments in my head or climbing the walls and ceiling.

Looking forward to the future – brave and feeling good whatever the outcome, day by day we do the best we should.

The complex mind and ghosts within can try to do their haunting - if we allow them to surface in us- life can be so daunting.

Take the bull by the horns, seize the day, make each day your own.

Love your God and life as well – you’ll never be alone.

Helen Harris

Address withheld

Questions over social care control

The recent social care news coverage has raised interesting questions about the control we have over our care in later life. September was World Alzheimer’s Month, raising awareness of the issues faced by people living with the challenging disease.

The disease is a major concern for some older vegetarians and vegans (veg*ns). Many of us worry about needing care, fearing we may lose the ability to choose a diet in accordance with our beliefs and values.

Vegetarian for Life (VfL), a national charity that supports older veg*ns, is launching a self-advocacy pack to support people worried about this situation. It has been launched to mark National Older Vegetarians and Vegans Day (1 October).

The pack will help to explain the laws protecting those with special dietary needs; sources of support if your rights aren’t being recognised; and simple actions you can take to protect your rights. These include making a statement of your wishes and care preferences, helping future carers to understand your needs.

It is vitally important that people plan for their future and know their rights. VfL believes that needing care should not mean losing the right to have and practice their values.

Contact the charity to request a pack or visit the website for more information.

We hope to help as many veg*ns as possible to maintain their beliefs and be treated with dignity in care.

Joe Barson

Advocacy & Policy Officer

Vegetarian for Life

Send your letters to andrew.colley@newsquest.co.uk