Rachel Gibbs
@rachelngibbs.bsky.social
Software Engineer, knitter and ice hockey fan in West Yorkshire, UK
My sister picked a good toy for Mac this year - he was attacking it for at least half an hour and hasn't destroyed it yet. It makes a crinkly noise and squeaks.
December 25, 2025 at 12:04 PM
My sister picked a good toy for Mac this year - he was attacking it for at least half an hour and hasn't destroyed it yet. It makes a crinkly noise and squeaks.
On the way to the #GuidersAgainstTransExclusion protest in Sheffield
December 13, 2025 at 11:39 AM
On the way to the #GuidersAgainstTransExclusion protest in Sheffield
I'm disappointed that girlguiding didn't fight harder but I know they are struggling financially and understand why they made that decision. The problem is with the interpretation of the equality act which needs a change in the law to clearly allow trans inclusion.
A petition against the Guides for this decision isn't going to do anything other than make the Guides come to the same decision s second time. It may make you, briefly, feel better, but it won't change anything. Direct that energy at the government, not at the Guides
December 3, 2025 at 12:27 PM
I'm disappointed that girlguiding didn't fight harder but I know they are struggling financially and understand why they made that decision. The problem is with the interpretation of the equality act which needs a change in the law to clearly allow trans inclusion.
Extremely disappointed that Girlguiding feels they have no option but to exclude trans members despite the EHRC guidance still not being published due to legal challenges.
www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-...
www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-...
Statement for members on our equality and diversity policy
An update on our equality and diversity policy following the Supreme Court decision of April 2025
www.girlguiding.org.uk
December 2, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Extremely disappointed that Girlguiding feels they have no option but to exclude trans members despite the EHRC guidance still not being published due to legal challenges.
www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-...
www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-...
Reposted by Rachel Gibbs
Bidding is now open on my fuzzy felt Mari Lwyd, along with so many other wonderful works of art.
All funds go to domestic violence charities, please do bid if you can afford to and feel able, it would be great to raise as much money as possible🐴💀👻
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/15748996...
All funds go to domestic violence charities, please do bid if you can afford to and feel able, it would be great to raise as much money as possible🐴💀👻
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/15748996...
December 1, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Bidding is now open on my fuzzy felt Mari Lwyd, along with so many other wonderful works of art.
All funds go to domestic violence charities, please do bid if you can afford to and feel able, it would be great to raise as much money as possible🐴💀👻
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/15748996...
All funds go to domestic violence charities, please do bid if you can afford to and feel able, it would be great to raise as much money as possible🐴💀👻
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/15748996...
Reposted by Rachel Gibbs
Literally EVERY parent should ban Roblox
Every parent whose career has to do with online safety also bans Roblox.
Every game designer parent I know bans Roblox for their kids
November 22, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Literally EVERY parent should ban Roblox
Plan C at Guides tonight as North East England still hasn't released the chocolate challenge badge they announced in July. So we found an activity on how to create endorphins which involved eating chocolate. To my surprise they preferred the dark chocolate over the milk and white.
November 18, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Plan C at Guides tonight as North East England still hasn't released the chocolate challenge badge they announced in July. So we found an activity on how to create endorphins which involved eating chocolate. To my surprise they preferred the dark chocolate over the milk and white.
We ran a Japanese themed activity at Guides tonight. They were about 50/50 love/hate on the matcha mochi but quite enjoyed the lychee, citrus yuzu and original ramune soda (although the most exciting thing was the bottle with a marble in).
November 4, 2025 at 9:40 PM
We ran a Japanese themed activity at Guides tonight. They were about 50/50 love/hate on the matcha mochi but quite enjoyed the lychee, citrus yuzu and original ramune soda (although the most exciting thing was the bottle with a marble in).
In hindsight tapering off the medication that helped me sleep (while not doing what it was supposed to do) while people are letting fireworks off gone midnight leading to the dog sleeping in my room most nights is not a good combination.
November 1, 2025 at 10:37 AM
In hindsight tapering off the medication that helped me sleep (while not doing what it was supposed to do) while people are letting fireworks off gone midnight leading to the dog sleeping in my room most nights is not a good combination.
Reposted by Rachel Gibbs
After a long pause, I've just done another England Covid & NHS update as we head into the autumn/winter season.
TLDR: we're in a significant Covid wave now, the NHS is stretched, get boosted if you're eligible.
christinapagel.substack.com/p/england-is...
TLDR: we're in a significant Covid wave now, the NHS is stretched, get boosted if you're eligible.
christinapagel.substack.com/p/england-is...
England is now experiencing a significant Covid wave, after 10 months of relative quiet
The latest Covid situation in England and a look at where NHS services are as we head into winter
christinapagel.substack.com
October 10, 2025 at 1:10 PM
After a long pause, I've just done another England Covid & NHS update as we head into the autumn/winter season.
TLDR: we're in a significant Covid wave now, the NHS is stretched, get boosted if you're eligible.
christinapagel.substack.com/p/england-is...
TLDR: we're in a significant Covid wave now, the NHS is stretched, get boosted if you're eligible.
christinapagel.substack.com/p/england-is...
Reposted by Rachel Gibbs
Today sees the launch of My Family Legacy (www.myfamilylegacy.org.uk) a new campaign to raise awareness of South Asian service in the world wars and preserve the stories of those who fought for Britain. [Thread]
September 10, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Today sees the launch of My Family Legacy (www.myfamilylegacy.org.uk) a new campaign to raise awareness of South Asian service in the world wars and preserve the stories of those who fought for Britain. [Thread]
Reposted by Rachel Gibbs
The main issue facing any UK government isn't actually the number of people seeking asylum, in the grand scheme, proportionally, we aren't talking about huge figures, especially when compared per capita to countries such as France, but the constant images we see in the media. 1/
September 1, 2025 at 7:01 AM
The main issue facing any UK government isn't actually the number of people seeking asylum, in the grand scheme, proportionally, we aren't talking about huge figures, especially when compared per capita to countries such as France, but the constant images we see in the media. 1/
Reposted by Rachel Gibbs
Its #InternationalDogDay, and I usually share some #DisHist posts, and this is one of the earliest pieces I wrote about the First World War and dogs, for @nursingclio.bsky.social.
They're all good dogs.
nursingclio.org/2018/11/15/t...
They're all good dogs.
nursingclio.org/2018/11/15/t...
“The Joy of My Life”: Seeing-Eye Dogs, Disabled Veterans/Civilians and WWI
On December 13, 1933, Captain A. J. C. Sington, then Chairman of the British Guide Dogs for the Blind, read a letter from an unnamed veteran of the Great War to the Northern Counties Association fo…
nursingclio.org
August 26, 2025 at 7:51 AM
Its #InternationalDogDay, and I usually share some #DisHist posts, and this is one of the earliest pieces I wrote about the First World War and dogs, for @nursingclio.bsky.social.
They're all good dogs.
nursingclio.org/2018/11/15/t...
They're all good dogs.
nursingclio.org/2018/11/15/t...
Reposted by Rachel Gibbs
Disability admin is exhausting, frustrating and time consuming.
Support Hub takes away the hassle. Create a profile based on your needs and it’s seamlessly communicated to banks, utility providers and other essential services.
Sign up here: supporthub.experian.co.uk?utm_source=A...
#Ad
Support Hub takes away the hassle. Create a profile based on your needs and it’s seamlessly communicated to banks, utility providers and other essential services.
Sign up here: supporthub.experian.co.uk?utm_source=A...
#Ad
August 4, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Disability admin is exhausting, frustrating and time consuming.
Support Hub takes away the hassle. Create a profile based on your needs and it’s seamlessly communicated to banks, utility providers and other essential services.
Sign up here: supporthub.experian.co.uk?utm_source=A...
#Ad
Support Hub takes away the hassle. Create a profile based on your needs and it’s seamlessly communicated to banks, utility providers and other essential services.
Sign up here: supporthub.experian.co.uk?utm_source=A...
#Ad
Girlguiding West Yorkshire South had a leaders' campfire to finish the term tonight. I struggle to get my Guides to sing but I really like it.
July 22, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Girlguiding West Yorkshire South had a leaders' campfire to finish the term tonight. I struggle to get my Guides to sing but I really like it.
I've been looking forward to the new girlguiding interest badges. It'll be interesting to see which my Guides are drawn to. There's even a healthy sleep badge for my Guide who claimed that sleeping was her only interest! www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-...
New Girlguiding interest badges
Get the latest updates on our new interest badges
www.girlguiding.org.uk
July 22, 2025 at 10:19 AM
I've been looking forward to the new girlguiding interest badges. It'll be interesting to see which my Guides are drawn to. There's even a healthy sleep badge for my Guide who claimed that sleeping was her only interest! www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-...
Reposted by Rachel Gibbs
If you were born between 1970-1990 you may not have full MMR protection, even if you had parents who took you for all your jabs. The NHS will give you a free booster. With cases surging, this is a great way to protect yourself & your community. I’m getting mine tomorrow www.nhs.uk/vaccinations...
July 20, 2025 at 10:54 AM
If you were born between 1970-1990 you may not have full MMR protection, even if you had parents who took you for all your jabs. The NHS will give you a free booster. With cases surging, this is a great way to protect yourself & your community. I’m getting mine tomorrow www.nhs.uk/vaccinations...
Reposted by Rachel Gibbs
NEW: The government has delayed the implementation of the welfare reforms.
They were due to come into effect in November 2026. They will now come into effect after the conclusion of a review by Stephen Timms.
The contentious four-point rule has reportedly been entirely removed from tonight’s bill.
They were due to come into effect in November 2026. They will now come into effect after the conclusion of a review by Stephen Timms.
The contentious four-point rule has reportedly been entirely removed from tonight’s bill.
July 1, 2025 at 4:40 PM
NEW: The government has delayed the implementation of the welfare reforms.
They were due to come into effect in November 2026. They will now come into effect after the conclusion of a review by Stephen Timms.
The contentious four-point rule has reportedly been entirely removed from tonight’s bill.
They were due to come into effect in November 2026. They will now come into effect after the conclusion of a review by Stephen Timms.
The contentious four-point rule has reportedly been entirely removed from tonight’s bill.
Reposted by Rachel Gibbs
"It's not just PIP"
I've written an overview of the government's disability benefit plans - covering not just PIP and the Timms review, but also Universal Credit, contributory ESA and statistics around PIP reviews - and what's being voted on when
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
I've written an overview of the government's disability benefit plans - covering not just PIP and the Timms review, but also Universal Credit, contributory ESA and statistics around PIP reviews - and what's being voted on when
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
Absolutely everything you need to know about Labour's benefits bill
Here, in granular detail, Big Issue breaks down absolutely everything you need to know about its benefits bill and reform of welfare.
www.bigissue.com
July 1, 2025 at 2:19 PM
"It's not just PIP"
I've written an overview of the government's disability benefit plans - covering not just PIP and the Timms review, but also Universal Credit, contributory ESA and statistics around PIP reviews - and what's being voted on when
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
I've written an overview of the government's disability benefit plans - covering not just PIP and the Timms review, but also Universal Credit, contributory ESA and statistics around PIP reviews - and what's being voted on when
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
Reposted by Rachel Gibbs
If you know of a business, venue or service provider who has started implementing anti-trans policies you can check out our resources page for templates and guidance on how to push back on people complying with bigotry in advance: transactual.org.uk/equality-act...
Organisational pushback – TransActual
transactual.org.uk
June 29, 2025 at 1:04 PM
If you know of a business, venue or service provider who has started implementing anti-trans policies you can check out our resources page for templates and guidance on how to push back on people complying with bigotry in advance: transactual.org.uk/equality-act...
Reposted by Rachel Gibbs
Friends, you are not personally responsible for ~gestures at world~. However, you can choose to be a helper.
Start small and local. Show up to those council meetings. Start a community garden. Volunteer. Listen. Amplify voices. Give hugs and warm meals.
And together we can do something.
Start small and local. Show up to those council meetings. Start a community garden. Volunteer. Listen. Amplify voices. Give hugs and warm meals.
And together we can do something.
June 23, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Friends, you are not personally responsible for ~gestures at world~. However, you can choose to be a helper.
Start small and local. Show up to those council meetings. Start a community garden. Volunteer. Listen. Amplify voices. Give hugs and warm meals.
And together we can do something.
Start small and local. Show up to those council meetings. Start a community garden. Volunteer. Listen. Amplify voices. Give hugs and warm meals.
And together we can do something.
Last day of camp is always fun on two nights of not much sleep. I never sleep well in tents, especially on a warm weekend with maximum hours of sunlight but extreme homesickness and a phantom fox trying to break into a tent at 1am doesn't help.
June 22, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Last day of camp is always fun on two nights of not much sleep. I never sleep well in tents, especially on a warm weekend with maximum hours of sunlight but extreme homesickness and a phantom fox trying to break into a tent at 1am doesn't help.
Reposted by Rachel Gibbs
It's that time of year again! Drowning doesn't look like drowning; familiarize yourself with the instinctive drowning response
Thanks for the reminder @janemunday.bsky.social. Every summer, I repost this article DROWNING DOES NOT LOOK LIKE DROWNING. To date, I know of FOUR kids who were saved after someone who'd clicked on the link learnt how to spot actual drowning. Take time to read and pass on.
slate.com/technology/2...
slate.com/technology/2...
Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning
Drowning is not the violent, splashing call for help that most people expect.
slate.com
June 20, 2025 at 3:03 AM
It's that time of year again! Drowning doesn't look like drowning; familiarize yourself with the instinctive drowning response
After intense head shaking and ear scratching on our walk yesterday I took Mac to the vet this morning who had to be sedated to extract this grass seed which had perforated his ear drum.
June 19, 2025 at 9:57 AM
After intense head shaking and ear scratching on our walk yesterday I took Mac to the vet this morning who had to be sedated to extract this grass seed which had perforated his ear drum.
Reposted by Rachel Gibbs
In contrast, this rather well researched article shows that is much harder said than done. Even with extensive testing the Amsterdam algorithm could not be de-biased, and did not seem to perform better than humans at spotting fraud
www.technologyreview.com/2025/06/11/1...
www.technologyreview.com/2025/06/11/1...
Inside Amsterdam’s high-stakes experiment to create fair welfare AI
The Dutch city thought it could break a decade-long trend of implementing discriminatory algorithms. Its failure raises the question: can these programs ever be fair?
www.technologyreview.com
June 13, 2025 at 10:02 AM
In contrast, this rather well researched article shows that is much harder said than done. Even with extensive testing the Amsterdam algorithm could not be de-biased, and did not seem to perform better than humans at spotting fraud
www.technologyreview.com/2025/06/11/1...
www.technologyreview.com/2025/06/11/1...