Philip (Phil) England

THE FEAR OF CHRISTMAS Christmas comes but once a year...., thank goodness for that! Ever since my Mum passed away, and a number of friends including Huw from Cardiff, John from Bridgend, and a few others; the magic has vanished from what is supposed to be a joyous time of the year. For a number of years now I've had something to look forward too, dog and house sitting down in Wallington in Surrey. This year however its not happening. A trip to the big city seems to have become a big part of making Christmas something. So what am I embarking on?, a trip to London for a few days, taking one of my friends with me so we can explore. A Christmas at home means I will need to attempt some kind of festive meal.  My roast potatoes leave a lot to be desired I have to say. For the past few weeks, I have been trying to perfect my roast potatoes, I think I am close. Here's the method! Part boil with onion in a pan.  Heat up the roasting tin with oil and some garlic. Drain the potatoes and b

Another new month, we sure are zooming through 2023 aren't we! August started with a visit to Neath Port Talbot hospital and an appointment in the Rheumatology department. I had to score my aches and pains and the Fibromyalgia. I think I may have under scored them some what! Time to keep taking a record for this month starting with 2nd August! WEDNESDAY 2nd: Feeling run down and achy, about 5 out of 10. I did have an appointment to see the nurse at the surgery, but emailed to cancel as feeling less than well enough to venture out. BP FIRST THING 124 / 83    BLOOD SUGAR 6.9 THURSDAY 3rd: I HAD to venture out to get some bits. Went to Home Bargains, was pushing the trolley and my hip started playing up. My aches and pains this morning started as about a 4 out of 10. By the time I got back to the car it turned in to 6 out of 10. Still not finished I made my way to Morrisons. By the time I finished in there I was feeling very run down, every bone in my body and every joint was achy

 This week is Mental Health Awareness Week , and today I am talking about ' Anxiety '  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phil-england/episodes/Mental-Health-Awareness-Week-15th---21st-May-e2452jb Like many others, I've had an issue with anxiety for many years, but during the pandemic and the various lock downs its been ramped up, and currently am not ready to face the issue head on. There is help out there, so please do a search online to find out what help is available in your area. Video version is on YouTube https://youtu.be/NKMrBPP3siY I'm looking for people to talk to about this issue, if you want to take part, message me on here or email podcasts@itsmyvoice.me.uk If you are part of a mental health charity and would be willing to have a zoom chat with me so I can make a vlog / podcast, please get in touch podcasts@itsmyvoice.me.uk

  The mind is a strange thing, a few days ago a name popped in to my head, that name was Jason Campbell. I did a search on LinkedIn and found him, dropped him a message and we started chatting. Another name entered my mind then, Andrew Sampson, he was a strange kid, he had a strange family set up, he used to sit in the passenger seat of the family car and change gears, he was a strange kid. Sadly found out from Jason that Andrew was getting off a bus, slipped, hit his head and sadly died. RIP Andrew Now , why can I remember things from the past, yet can't remember what I have to do or what medications I have to take? We are currently in a bit of a heatwave, its too hot to move or do anything. Trying to stay cool and keep hydrated. I'm a fragile flower in the heat, I will probably wilt! Got a bit of a tingle at the moment, its kind of a sign a flareup is on the way, just what I need extreme heat and pain... not good. EDIT 18 th July 2022: I was right about the flare up, in gre

  Mental Health & Covid-19 With the Covid-19 pandemic, lockdowns easing and the continue rising of cases in some areas of the UK, it is natural to feel stressed, to feel anxiety and confusion. First of all, it is ok, more than ok to have a cry. Crying is a good way to release pressure, and to help get things out in the open. No one is weak if they cry, and don’t let anyone tell you any different. I have been suffering with depression for years, not being able to fully shake it. I have found talking to friends a good way to help. At the moment I feel the NHS is under more than enough pressure with things to deal with. There are a number of mental health charities out there that can give help and advice, such as Mind. You can contact them via social media platforms, as well as going to their website at https://www.mind.org.uk and this page can make sure you get the right help that you need   https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool Back in 2020, around about

Disabled people have been routinely forgotten during the pandemic, and are still some of the hardest hit.  New Scope research shows only 2 per cent of disabled people feel safe about the lifting of restrictions today, on what’s being dubbed "Freedom Day". It’s not right that some disabled people are yet again being left behind by Government. The Government needs to make sure that the most at-risk disabled people can get the support they need to stay safe. To the disabled people, the shielders, the should-have-been-shielders, the parents, the carers and families.  We’re still with you.   💻  You can get support on a range of issues on https://www.scope.org.uk/coronavirus-information/ ☎️  You can speak to our helpline advisers by calling 0808 800 3333. We are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 6pm. 💜  We know it’s been an unbelievably hard year and a half. But there has never been a more important time for disabled people and allies to

Phil's Video Blog 199 - https://youtu.be/z1hLi14E0Q8 It is Mental Health Awareness week this week, and in today's video blog I take a quick look at the easing of lockdown and mental health. There is a number of sources you can visit online for help and advice including: mind.org.uk mentalhealth.org.uk mentalhealthforum.org.uk health-inmind.org.uk (Scotland only) mhwales.org.uk (Wales only) mindwisenv.org (Northern Ireland only) turn2me.ie (Ireland / Eire only) A YouTube channel that I have come across that I like is 'The Calming Meditation', it is perfect to unwind and destress to - check it out at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCts6fFonkt4WaVvUqqGihg If you are looking for a fantastic video editing package and a great price, with lots of features check out Wondershare Filmora, https://filmstock.wondershare.com/referral-landingpage-campaign.html?frm=f06bf7d Check me out on the socials: www.philengland.com/socials has the full links www.facebook.com/philengland www.t