Philippa Rousell
@philipparousell.bsky.social
Policy Manager at Changing Lives. Chatting about homelessness, multiple unmet needs, social exclusion, sexual exploitation and many other things! Views my own etc.
My proposal for NHS reform: requirement for staff calling patients' names to speak above a whisper.
Especially when your name is consistently mispronounced so you're trying to listen out for anything remotely resembling your name!
Especially when your name is consistently mispronounced so you're trying to listen out for anything remotely resembling your name!
May 20, 2025 at 10:17 AM
My proposal for NHS reform: requirement for staff calling patients' names to speak above a whisper.
Especially when your name is consistently mispronounced so you're trying to listen out for anything remotely resembling your name!
Especially when your name is consistently mispronounced so you're trying to listen out for anything remotely resembling your name!
As someone forced to study Latin at school while my friends read plays and made masks (yes I'm still bitter), I'm sure it's interesting to some but hardly a 'tragedy' to see funding cut. I'd much prefer to see more done to encourage a love of modern languages!
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Northern academics condemn axing of state sector Latin funding
Teachers and academics in the shadow of Hadrian's Wall hit back against the axing of Latin funding.
www.bbc.co.uk
March 6, 2025 at 8:11 AM
As someone forced to study Latin at school while my friends read plays and made masks (yes I'm still bitter), I'm sure it's interesting to some but hardly a 'tragedy' to see funding cut. I'd much prefer to see more done to encourage a love of modern languages!
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Philippa Rousell
Speculation this morning that the government will use welfare cuts to help make its sums add up on 26th March. A thread on why tax options are really the "politically difficult" choice the Chancellor should consider.
March 5, 2025 at 9:33 AM
Speculation this morning that the government will use welfare cuts to help make its sums add up on 26th March. A thread on why tax options are really the "politically difficult" choice the Chancellor should consider.
Part 1 of the Sentencing Review is both a stressful and reassuring read.
Stressful because there are big problems to unpick, but reassuring because the analysis of how we got here seems spot on which makes me cautiously optimistic about the upcoming recommendations.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Stressful because there are big problems to unpick, but reassuring because the analysis of how we got here seems spot on which makes me cautiously optimistic about the upcoming recommendations.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Independent Sentencing Review: History and trends in sentencing
The Independent Sentencing Review, chaired by David Gauke, has published Part 1 of the report.
www.gov.uk
February 18, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Part 1 of the Sentencing Review is both a stressful and reassuring read.
Stressful because there are big problems to unpick, but reassuring because the analysis of how we got here seems spot on which makes me cautiously optimistic about the upcoming recommendations.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Stressful because there are big problems to unpick, but reassuring because the analysis of how we got here seems spot on which makes me cautiously optimistic about the upcoming recommendations.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
I made the mistake of reading the comments section on a Telegraph article about people in prison getting an extra £1 a week in their basic pay (don't spend it too quick guys!)
Shows just how hard significant prison reform will always be when the public has such a poor understanding of what goes on.
Shows just how hard significant prison reform will always be when the public has such a poor understanding of what goes on.
February 4, 2025 at 8:22 AM
I made the mistake of reading the comments section on a Telegraph article about people in prison getting an extra £1 a week in their basic pay (don't spend it too quick guys!)
Shows just how hard significant prison reform will always be when the public has such a poor understanding of what goes on.
Shows just how hard significant prison reform will always be when the public has such a poor understanding of what goes on.
Reposted by Philippa Rousell
Our Chief Executive Stephen Bell OBE sat down with Politics North to discuss the huge financial impact of the upcoming NIC changes on charities.
The NIC change alone adds over £600K to Changing Lives' budget, threatening our essential support services for vulnerable people across the UK.
The NIC change alone adds over £600K to Changing Lives' budget, threatening our essential support services for vulnerable people across the UK.
January 21, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Our Chief Executive Stephen Bell OBE sat down with Politics North to discuss the huge financial impact of the upcoming NIC changes on charities.
The NIC change alone adds over £600K to Changing Lives' budget, threatening our essential support services for vulnerable people across the UK.
The NIC change alone adds over £600K to Changing Lives' budget, threatening our essential support services for vulnerable people across the UK.
Am I reading this wrong or is she suggesting that girls wearing short skirts or tight trousers puts them at increased risk of sexual exploitation? I feel like there's a missing link here because SURELY we've moved on from this sort of victim blaming?
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
London headteacher criticises Labour proposals to limit logos on uniform
Katharine Birbalsingh says school-branded trousers and skirts can help prevent pupils from sexual exploitation
www.theguardian.com
January 17, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Am I reading this wrong or is she suggesting that girls wearing short skirts or tight trousers puts them at increased risk of sexual exploitation? I feel like there's a missing link here because SURELY we've moved on from this sort of victim blaming?
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Many children who have experienced sexual exploitation continue to be exploited in adulthood (not to be confused with consensual sex work).
Changing Lives has supported these women for many years and this blog shares a bit about how that work has developed and what we have been seeing recently.
Changing Lives has supported these women for many years and this blog shares a bit about how that work has developed and what we have been seeing recently.
The sexual exploitation of children has dominated recent headlines, yet there has been little focus on the incredible work happening across the UK to combat abuse.
Take a look at our Press Release on Exposing Hidden Exploitation: How Changing Lives is Tackling the Crisis Beyond the Headlines.
Take a look at our Press Release on Exposing Hidden Exploitation: How Changing Lives is Tackling the Crisis Beyond the Headlines.
Changing Lives, tackling Sexual Abuse & Exploitation for almost 20 years.
At Changing Lives, we provide specialist support services for people aged 16 and above. Alarmingly, we have seen a sharp rise in referrals for young people at the critical “age of transition.” This in...
www.changing-lives.org.uk
January 17, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Many children who have experienced sexual exploitation continue to be exploited in adulthood (not to be confused with consensual sex work).
Changing Lives has supported these women for many years and this blog shares a bit about how that work has developed and what we have been seeing recently.
Changing Lives has supported these women for many years and this blog shares a bit about how that work has developed and what we have been seeing recently.
Excellent article from @news.sky.com dispelling misinformation with some actual data on child grooming gangs.
Working primarily in the field of exploitation of adults this was fascinating and informative reading for me.
www.news.sky.com/story/amp/ch...
Working primarily in the field of exploitation of adults this was fascinating and informative reading for me.
www.news.sky.com/story/amp/ch...
Child sex abuse and grooming gangs: What we know, and what we don't, from the data
Recent debates over grooming gangs have been marked by accusations of lies and disinformation - this is what the data actually tells us about the victims and perpetrators of child sexual abuse.
www.google.com
January 10, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Excellent article from @news.sky.com dispelling misinformation with some actual data on child grooming gangs.
Working primarily in the field of exploitation of adults this was fascinating and informative reading for me.
www.news.sky.com/story/amp/ch...
Working primarily in the field of exploitation of adults this was fascinating and informative reading for me.
www.news.sky.com/story/amp/ch...
The suggestion that @jessphillipsmp.bsky.social does not care about victims of grooming and exploitation could be called laughable, except it's not a laughing matter.
We have and will continue to work with government on this important topic, keeping the focus on victims/survivors.
We have and will continue to work with government on this important topic, keeping the focus on victims/survivors.
January 8, 2025 at 3:01 PM
The suggestion that @jessphillipsmp.bsky.social does not care about victims of grooming and exploitation could be called laughable, except it's not a laughing matter.
We have and will continue to work with government on this important topic, keeping the focus on victims/survivors.
We have and will continue to work with government on this important topic, keeping the focus on victims/survivors.
Reposted by Philippa Rousell
This is a vital step forward, but lasting change requires sustained focus on prevention, support services, and tackling root causes like poverty, addiction, and mental health challenges.
Together, we can work towards a future where everyone has a safe place to call home.
Together, we can work towards a future where everyone has a safe place to call home.
Largest ever cash boost to turn the tide on homelessness
Councils across England will receive almost £1 billion of new funding next year to tackle, reduce and prevent homelessness.
www.gov.uk
December 19, 2024 at 2:05 PM
This is a vital step forward, but lasting change requires sustained focus on prevention, support services, and tackling root causes like poverty, addiction, and mental health challenges.
Together, we can work towards a future where everyone has a safe place to call home.
Together, we can work towards a future where everyone has a safe place to call home.
Reposted by Philippa Rousell
We welcome the government’s £1 billion investment to tackle homelessness. Alongside other @homelesslink.bsky.social members, we’ve campaigned for increased funding to prevent and address homelessness.
December 19, 2024 at 2:05 PM
We welcome the government’s £1 billion investment to tackle homelessness. Alongside other @homelesslink.bsky.social members, we’ve campaigned for increased funding to prevent and address homelessness.
This could make a huge difference to people supported by Changing Lives, many of whom keep their energy use to an absolute minimum.
The average annual standing charge before you've even used any energy is more than one month's UC allowance if you're under 25.
www.theguardian.com/money/2024/d...
The average annual standing charge before you've even used any energy is more than one month's UC allowance if you're under 25.
www.theguardian.com/money/2024/d...
British energy firms told to offer ‘zero’ standing charge tariff by next winter
Ofgem aims to provide choice as Martin Lewis describes daily fees as a ‘poll tax’ on gas and electricity bills
www.theguardian.com
December 13, 2024 at 8:05 AM
This could make a huge difference to people supported by Changing Lives, many of whom keep their energy use to an absolute minimum.
The average annual standing charge before you've even used any energy is more than one month's UC allowance if you're under 25.
www.theguardian.com/money/2024/d...
The average annual standing charge before you've even used any energy is more than one month's UC allowance if you're under 25.
www.theguardian.com/money/2024/d...
Great news from @changinglivesuk.bsky.social! New housing support for women with medium or complex support needs opened in County Durham.
This kind of support for women is much needed throughout the country.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
This kind of support for women is much needed throughout the country.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
County Durham's Teesdale House will help homeless women 'heal'
Up to five women will be able to live in Teesdale House for up to two years, the council says.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 10, 2024 at 3:27 PM
Great news from @changinglivesuk.bsky.social! New housing support for women with medium or complex support needs opened in County Durham.
This kind of support for women is much needed throughout the country.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
This kind of support for women is much needed throughout the country.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
So far Christmas with a 2 year old looks like pure childlike joy when we turned on the Christmas tree lights immediately followed by utter indignation when we hung the tractor decoration we got for him on the tree rather than letting him play with it.
December 2, 2024 at 7:37 PM
So far Christmas with a 2 year old looks like pure childlike joy when we turned on the Christmas tree lights immediately followed by utter indignation when we hung the tractor decoration we got for him on the tree rather than letting him play with it.
A short piece responding to last week's Get Britain Working White Paper:
www.changing-lives.org.uk/insights/get...
www.changing-lives.org.uk/insights/get...
Our Response to the Get Britain Working White Paper
Our Policy Manager Philippa Rousell responds to the Get Britain Working white paper recently presented to Parliament.
www.changing-lives.org.uk
December 2, 2024 at 7:29 PM
A short piece responding to last week's Get Britain Working White Paper:
www.changing-lives.org.uk/insights/get...
www.changing-lives.org.uk/insights/get...
I'm midway through reading the Get Britain Working Again White Paper and need a break so here's some thoughts so far.
Good to see that the rhetoric in the press around welfare being a 'blight' does not really feature in the White Paper.
Good to see that the rhetoric in the press around welfare being a 'blight' does not really feature in the White Paper.
November 26, 2024 at 4:11 PM
I'm midway through reading the Get Britain Working Again White Paper and need a break so here's some thoughts so far.
Good to see that the rhetoric in the press around welfare being a 'blight' does not really feature in the White Paper.
Good to see that the rhetoric in the press around welfare being a 'blight' does not really feature in the White Paper.
Reposted by Philippa Rousell
Here’s my take on the government’s rhetoric & the reality of their plans on work, disability & benefits: 🧵
1. This kind of rhetoric is damaging, even though the reality is rather different. The benefit system is a source of fear & shame for many…1/6 www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
1. This kind of rhetoric is damaging, even though the reality is rather different. The benefit system is a source of fear & shame for many…1/6 www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
Keir Starmer declares war on benefits Britain
The Prime Minister uses an article in today's Mail on Sunday to promise changes to try to tame the £137 billion bill for welfare benefits - including a blitz on cheats and those who 'game the system'.
www.dailymail.co.uk
November 24, 2024 at 6:53 PM
Here’s my take on the government’s rhetoric & the reality of their plans on work, disability & benefits: 🧵
1. This kind of rhetoric is damaging, even though the reality is rather different. The benefit system is a source of fear & shame for many…1/6 www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
1. This kind of rhetoric is damaging, even though the reality is rather different. The benefit system is a source of fear & shame for many…1/6 www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
I know there's a very real concern of how we continue to pay for our welfare bill (most significantly including pensions!) but I really hoped to see less demonising messaging coming from the Labour government. We should be proud to support those in financial difficulty!
Anyone who thinks our benefit system is too generous, has clearly had their common sense surgically extracted by the Daily Mail.
Losing your job is financially catastrophic (esp for mortgage payers, who drop to just 12% of an average wage overnight). And our sickness benefits bill is similarly mean.
Losing your job is financially catastrophic (esp for mortgage payers, who drop to just 12% of an average wage overnight). And our sickness benefits bill is similarly mean.
November 25, 2024 at 9:12 AM
I know there's a very real concern of how we continue to pay for our welfare bill (most significantly including pensions!) but I really hoped to see less demonising messaging coming from the Labour government. We should be proud to support those in financial difficulty!
Things like the ability to pay rent contributes to several of the commitments made by the government. If they are serious about tackling homelessness and child poverty, unfreezing LHA is a great place to start.
The freeze will pull 50k renters into poverty by the end of the parliament, and 80k into very deep poverty, including 30k children.
If the govt is committed to ending the need for emergency food parcels, and tackling child poverty and homelessness the must stop the freeze. 5/x
If the govt is committed to ending the need for emergency food parcels, and tackling child poverty and homelessness the must stop the freeze. 5/x
November 20, 2024 at 2:07 PM
Things like the ability to pay rent contributes to several of the commitments made by the government. If they are serious about tackling homelessness and child poverty, unfreezing LHA is a great place to start.
Reposted by Philippa Rousell
New private rent stats out today for Oct 24 show an annual increase of 8.7% in GB and 10.5% in London, equating to £105 more per month on average in GB and £204 in London, compared to Oct 23.
These are big rises, and come on the back of the decision taken to keep LHA frozen at the Budget. 🧵 1/x
These are big rises, and come on the back of the decision taken to keep LHA frozen at the Budget. 🧵 1/x
November 20, 2024 at 10:21 AM
New private rent stats out today for Oct 24 show an annual increase of 8.7% in GB and 10.5% in London, equating to £105 more per month on average in GB and £204 in London, compared to Oct 23.
These are big rises, and come on the back of the decision taken to keep LHA frozen at the Budget. 🧵 1/x
These are big rises, and come on the back of the decision taken to keep LHA frozen at the Budget. 🧵 1/x
I find it both fascinating and immensely concerning how much our sentencing policy is influenced by public opinion, yet how little the public knows about prisons.
New report from Sentencing Academy sheds more light on the public understanding:
www.sentencingacademy.org.uk/whos-in-pris...
New report from Sentencing Academy sheds more light on the public understanding:
www.sentencingacademy.org.uk/whos-in-pris...
Who’s in Prison and What’s the Purpose of Imprisonment? A Survey of Public Knowledge and Attitudes – Sentencing Academy
www.sentencingacademy.org.uk
November 19, 2024 at 9:02 AM
I find it both fascinating and immensely concerning how much our sentencing policy is influenced by public opinion, yet how little the public knows about prisons.
New report from Sentencing Academy sheds more light on the public understanding:
www.sentencingacademy.org.uk/whos-in-pris...
New report from Sentencing Academy sheds more light on the public understanding:
www.sentencingacademy.org.uk/whos-in-pris...
Charities need support to deal with employers NIC hike. These services aren't just 'nice to haves' - they are vital parts of our public infrastructure just like schools and hospitals.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Rachel Reeves warned Labour’s bid to end homelessness hit by tax blow in Budget
Exclusive: National insurance rise an immediate ‘threat’ to services that help the most vulnerable, Labour chancellor told as 100 organisations, including Crisis, sign letter in protest
www.independent.co.uk
November 11, 2024 at 10:23 AM
Charities need support to deal with employers NIC hike. These services aren't just 'nice to haves' - they are vital parts of our public infrastructure just like schools and hospitals.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Disappointing that the government is freezing local housing allowance - and contradicts their goals of reducing homelessness and moving more people into work as it will cause people to be stuck in supported/exempt accommodation.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Housing benefit payments to be frozen next year
Labour has confirmed rates will stay the same next year, after several freezes over the past decade.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 1, 2024 at 8:24 AM
Disappointing that the government is freezing local housing allowance - and contradicts their goals of reducing homelessness and moving more people into work as it will cause people to be stuck in supported/exempt accommodation.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I'm a few days behind but there have been so many articles about the Budget coming out, I missed this one!
The Fair Repayment Rate will cap UC deductions at 15% rather than the current 25%. Much more needed to reform UC, but we'll celebrate the small wins!
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
The Fair Repayment Rate will cap UC deductions at 15% rather than the current 25%. Much more needed to reform UC, but we'll celebrate the small wins!
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
More than 1m households to get £420 budget boost in universal credit change
Exclusive: move will cap amount that can be deducted from benefit payments to repay short-term loans and debts
www.theguardian.com
October 29, 2024 at 2:23 PM
I'm a few days behind but there have been so many articles about the Budget coming out, I missed this one!
The Fair Repayment Rate will cap UC deductions at 15% rather than the current 25%. Much more needed to reform UC, but we'll celebrate the small wins!
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
The Fair Repayment Rate will cap UC deductions at 15% rather than the current 25%. Much more needed to reform UC, but we'll celebrate the small wins!
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...