Helen Simmons (She/Her)
@littlehen.bsky.social
A bricolage of things. Nature, creativity, community, kindness…
Unbothered. Moisturised. Happy. In My Lane. Focused. Flourishing.
Profile picture: me in a pink jumper smiling
Header image: me in a purple hat taking a picture of myself in a broken mirror
Unbothered. Moisturised. Happy. In My Lane. Focused. Flourishing.
Profile picture: me in a pink jumper smiling
Header image: me in a purple hat taking a picture of myself in a broken mirror
Pinned
Different ways of living are possible, and are already taking place all over the world. They’re ways of love, kindness and joy. They’re quiet, humble, slow, small. They’re vital and restorative, regenerative and inclusive. I’m pledging to celebrate, support and amplify them. Will you join me?
Reposted by Helen Simmons (She/Her)
Everything about this story is awesome. Gift link:
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/s...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/s...
A Farmer, a Designer and a Dating App Unite to Save Some ‘Gay Sheep’
www.nytimes.com
November 15, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Everything about this story is awesome. Gift link:
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/s...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/s...
I was always confused about football teams. They said they were playing on aggregate but it looked like grass to me. I was older than 30 when someone explained it to me.
Right up until my 20s I wondered why I never saw a copy of Donkey Otie in bookshops or libraries, even though it seemed to be quite well known
November 15, 2025 at 6:50 PM
I was always confused about football teams. They said they were playing on aggregate but it looked like grass to me. I was older than 30 when someone explained it to me.
I’d quite like to spend the day in a comfy chair by a roaring fire in a library study like a Victorian scholar. But there are things to do today, one of these days I’m going to book myself a reading day and not feel guilty about it.
November 15, 2025 at 10:04 AM
I’d quite like to spend the day in a comfy chair by a roaring fire in a library study like a Victorian scholar. But there are things to do today, one of these days I’m going to book myself a reading day and not feel guilty about it.
Good medical research news.
Medical Republic: 'Fibromyalgia finally gets a genetic fingerprint'
'Additionally, certain risk loci overlapped with long covid (BPTF) and ME/CFS (OLFM4, RABGAP1L/GPR52), two poorly characterised disorders, albeit with different lead variants.'
www.medicalrepublic.com.au/fibromyalgia...
'Additionally, certain risk loci overlapped with long covid (BPTF) and ME/CFS (OLFM4, RABGAP1L/GPR52), two poorly characterised disorders, albeit with different lead variants.'
www.medicalrepublic.com.au/fibromyalgia...
Fibromyalgia finally gets a genetic fingerprint - Medical Republic
A massive global study links the chronic pain condition to 26 genes associated with brain signalling, marking a turning point in understanding its biological roots.
www.medicalrepublic.com.au
November 15, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Good medical research news.
Reposted by Helen Simmons (She/Her)
‘Death remains my intimate shadow partner. It has been with me since birth, always hovering close by. I understand one day we will finally waltz together into the ether. I hope when that time comes, I die with the satisfaction of a life well-lived, unapologetic, joyful, & full of love.’
—Alice Wong
—Alice Wong
November 15, 2025 at 6:12 AM
‘Death remains my intimate shadow partner. It has been with me since birth, always hovering close by. I understand one day we will finally waltz together into the ether. I hope when that time comes, I die with the satisfaction of a life well-lived, unapologetic, joyful, & full of love.’
—Alice Wong
—Alice Wong
Saddened to hear of the death of Alice Wong an eloquent activist for disability justice. She helped me to think more deeply about what equality means, especially the responsibilities of the not-yet disabled. Tap into her wisdom if you haven’t already.
the world is a bit smaller tonight with the death of Alice Wong. if you aren't familiar with who she was please pick up any of her books.
Disability Visibility anthology
Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century (Vintage Books, 2020) Click here for more about the anthology adapted for young people. Order paperback, e-bo…
disabilityvisibilityproject.com
November 15, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Saddened to hear of the death of Alice Wong an eloquent activist for disability justice. She helped me to think more deeply about what equality means, especially the responsibilities of the not-yet disabled. Tap into her wisdom if you haven’t already.
Reposted by Helen Simmons (She/Her)
New York Lacked an Affordable Housing Portal. So These Teenagers Made One.
Two “children of the pandemic” did something the grown-ups who run the city have never managed to do.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/r...
Two “children of the pandemic” did something the grown-ups who run the city have never managed to do.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/r...
New York Lacked an Affordable Housing Portal. So These Teenagers Made One.
www.nytimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 10:43 PM
New York Lacked an Affordable Housing Portal. So These Teenagers Made One.
Two “children of the pandemic” did something the grown-ups who run the city have never managed to do.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/r...
Two “children of the pandemic” did something the grown-ups who run the city have never managed to do.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/r...
Reposted by Helen Simmons (She/Her)
"Our actions are working, and they are not enough.
Nothing we do is sufficient, and everything we do matters.
We must be strategic, and we must operate on multiple fronts simultaneously.
Time is of the essence, and we have to act for the long haul.
This is how change happens." Dan Berger
Nothing we do is sufficient, and everything we do matters.
We must be strategic, and we must operate on multiple fronts simultaneously.
Time is of the essence, and we have to act for the long haul.
This is how change happens." Dan Berger
November 14, 2025 at 10:45 PM
"Our actions are working, and they are not enough.
Nothing we do is sufficient, and everything we do matters.
We must be strategic, and we must operate on multiple fronts simultaneously.
Time is of the essence, and we have to act for the long haul.
This is how change happens." Dan Berger
Nothing we do is sufficient, and everything we do matters.
We must be strategic, and we must operate on multiple fronts simultaneously.
Time is of the essence, and we have to act for the long haul.
This is how change happens." Dan Berger
Closing 17th Nov. Please share with your #community developer networks
Dwellbeing Shieldfield are hiring!
We are looking for a part time Organisational Development Worker Member. For more information visit www.dwellbeingshieldfield.org.uk/news/job
#Vacancies #Jobs #SocialChange #CommunityDevelopment #SocialJustice #CooperativeWorking #Newcastle #Tyneside
We are looking for a part time Organisational Development Worker Member. For more information visit www.dwellbeingshieldfield.org.uk/news/job
#Vacancies #Jobs #SocialChange #CommunityDevelopment #SocialJustice #CooperativeWorking #Newcastle #Tyneside
November 14, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Closing 17th Nov. Please share with your #community developer networks
Reposted by Helen Simmons (She/Her)
Are you located in the DC-Baltimore-Philadelphia-New York corridor?
Have you always wanted to have your very own 11 foot long papier-mâché hammerhead shark?
Now available for free!
Perfect for museums, community centers, or your living room!
Save this lovely creature from imminent destruction!
Have you always wanted to have your very own 11 foot long papier-mâché hammerhead shark?
Now available for free!
Perfect for museums, community centers, or your living room!
Save this lovely creature from imminent destruction!
November 14, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Are you located in the DC-Baltimore-Philadelphia-New York corridor?
Have you always wanted to have your very own 11 foot long papier-mâché hammerhead shark?
Now available for free!
Perfect for museums, community centers, or your living room!
Save this lovely creature from imminent destruction!
Have you always wanted to have your very own 11 foot long papier-mâché hammerhead shark?
Now available for free!
Perfect for museums, community centers, or your living room!
Save this lovely creature from imminent destruction!
Reposted by Helen Simmons (She/Her)
This is Archie. He's deaf and doesn't hear when his humans get home. Luckily, his little brother Frankie lets him know with a gentle nudge to make sure he doesn't miss the moment. 14/10 for both (TT: melissamilne)
November 13, 2025 at 11:56 PM
This is Archie. He's deaf and doesn't hear when his humans get home. Luckily, his little brother Frankie lets him know with a gentle nudge to make sure he doesn't miss the moment. 14/10 for both (TT: melissamilne)
The day was saved by the training course providing many lovely snacks including crisps. Better even than that, the person I gave a lift to gifted me fresh Zalabia!
Friday Helen is going to be most annoyed that Thursday Helen has eaten her crisps for her Friday packed lunch.
November 14, 2025 at 7:39 PM
The day was saved by the training course providing many lovely snacks including crisps. Better even than that, the person I gave a lift to gifted me fresh Zalabia!
Reposted by Helen Simmons (She/Her)
Friday Helen is going to be most annoyed that Thursday Helen has eaten her crisps for her Friday packed lunch.
November 13, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Friday Helen is going to be most annoyed that Thursday Helen has eaten her crisps for her Friday packed lunch.
Reposted by Helen Simmons (She/Her)
Good Morning Bluesky!
The weather might have turned…
But!
Every challenge is fuel…
Every storm a new lesson…
You were built for resilience…
You are unstoppable… 💪
✌️🫶 ☕️
The weather might have turned…
But!
Every challenge is fuel…
Every storm a new lesson…
You were built for resilience…
You are unstoppable… 💪
✌️🫶 ☕️
November 14, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Good Morning Bluesky!
The weather might have turned…
But!
Every challenge is fuel…
Every storm a new lesson…
You were built for resilience…
You are unstoppable… 💪
✌️🫶 ☕️
The weather might have turned…
But!
Every challenge is fuel…
Every storm a new lesson…
You were built for resilience…
You are unstoppable… 💪
✌️🫶 ☕️
Friday Helen is going to be most annoyed that Thursday Helen has eaten her crisps for her Friday packed lunch.
November 13, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Friday Helen is going to be most annoyed that Thursday Helen has eaten her crisps for her Friday packed lunch.
I’m off for some exciting training in Amsterdam next spring. Can anyone recommend somewhere nice that they have stayed there? I’ll be around the Noorderpark area on a budget.
November 12, 2025 at 9:56 PM
I’m off for some exciting training in Amsterdam next spring. Can anyone recommend somewhere nice that they have stayed there? I’ll be around the Noorderpark area on a budget.
Reposted by Helen Simmons (She/Her)
I will always stop and pick these up when I see them.
Yes, we absolutely need big, systemic changes to how we interact with and impact our world, but the small, direct things also matter. Every day we each have hundreds of chances to make things better.
Yes, we absolutely need big, systemic changes to how we interact with and impact our world, but the small, direct things also matter. Every day we each have hundreds of chances to make things better.
November 12, 2025 at 7:30 PM
I will always stop and pick these up when I see them.
Yes, we absolutely need big, systemic changes to how we interact with and impact our world, but the small, direct things also matter. Every day we each have hundreds of chances to make things better.
Yes, we absolutely need big, systemic changes to how we interact with and impact our world, but the small, direct things also matter. Every day we each have hundreds of chances to make things better.
Reposted by Helen Simmons (She/Her)
Don't miss this free talk I'm doing on all your favourite Christmas films! I'll break them down with the science of storytelling.
#Chester
#Chester
November 12, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Don't miss this free talk I'm doing on all your favourite Christmas films! I'll break them down with the science of storytelling.
#Chester
#Chester
Reposted by Helen Simmons (She/Her)
I'll be giving a public performance lecture at Dance City in Newcastle on Thu 27th November as a follow up to my Artist Residency. Sign up (for free!) for all things #TouretteSyndrome, affect, and pom pom-related!
www.dancecity.co.uk/performance/...
#PerformanceArt #Dance #AcademicSky
www.dancecity.co.uk/performance/...
#PerformanceArt #Dance #AcademicSky
November 12, 2025 at 6:44 PM
I'll be giving a public performance lecture at Dance City in Newcastle on Thu 27th November as a follow up to my Artist Residency. Sign up (for free!) for all things #TouretteSyndrome, affect, and pom pom-related!
www.dancecity.co.uk/performance/...
#PerformanceArt #Dance #AcademicSky
www.dancecity.co.uk/performance/...
#PerformanceArt #Dance #AcademicSky
See what good you can sprinkle into the day? It could be a grand gesture, a handwritten letter to a long neglected friend, a bunch of flowers for a neighbour, or something tiny, a smiles, a passing compliment or a conversation with the person waiting for the bus with you. Opportunities are endless
November 12, 2025 at 8:45 AM
See what good you can sprinkle into the day? It could be a grand gesture, a handwritten letter to a long neglected friend, a bunch of flowers for a neighbour, or something tiny, a smiles, a passing compliment or a conversation with the person waiting for the bus with you. Opportunities are endless
Reposted by Helen Simmons (She/Her)
Personal note: London has been home for a very, very long time, but as of today, I am also officially a Brit - that is to say, a British citizen. I feel relieved and I feel grateful - but not, perhaps, in the forelock-tugging way GB News/Starmer expect a new immigrant to be.
November 12, 2025 at 7:08 AM
Personal note: London has been home for a very, very long time, but as of today, I am also officially a Brit - that is to say, a British citizen. I feel relieved and I feel grateful - but not, perhaps, in the forelock-tugging way GB News/Starmer expect a new immigrant to be.
Reposted by Helen Simmons (She/Her)
Try to enjoy good moments and respond to bad ones in good ways
November 8, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Try to enjoy good moments and respond to bad ones in good ways
Reposted by Helen Simmons (She/Her)
We are all, at best, temporarily abled.
Yall real silent about disability injustices because most of you don’t see disability as a thing that can happen to you.
We are “aww those poor people”. Meanwhile disability can happen to anyone at any moment and those injustices you ignored? They become your experiences too
We are “aww those poor people”. Meanwhile disability can happen to anyone at any moment and those injustices you ignored? They become your experiences too
November 11, 2025 at 7:54 PM
We are all, at best, temporarily abled.
Weirdly I dreamt about this friend last night & told her how I felt. She gave me an (odd dream-like) reason for ghosting me. I left her to hang out with my dead parents and my brother in their driveway & woke feeling happy to have spent time with them & that I’d said what I needed to her. 🧠💭✨
I let a 48 year friendship go a couple of years back. Hard at the time but now I realise that it probably wasn’t serving either of us. I wish there was a way of verbally acknowledging this together rather than the odd ghosting that happened with my friendship.
Oh she ATE; this l perfectly describes what I was writing about this morning.
The Sunken Cost Fallacy.
The Sunken Cost Fallacy.
November 11, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Weirdly I dreamt about this friend last night & told her how I felt. She gave me an (odd dream-like) reason for ghosting me. I left her to hang out with my dead parents and my brother in their driveway & woke feeling happy to have spent time with them & that I’d said what I needed to her. 🧠💭✨
Reposted by Helen Simmons (She/Her)
hi, can you do me a favor?
take a picture of your pet and then take a picture again while you sing to them
thank you, this is for science
here is my contribution
take a picture of your pet and then take a picture again while you sing to them
thank you, this is for science
here is my contribution
November 10, 2025 at 11:25 PM
hi, can you do me a favor?
take a picture of your pet and then take a picture again while you sing to them
thank you, this is for science
here is my contribution
take a picture of your pet and then take a picture again while you sing to them
thank you, this is for science
here is my contribution