Melanie Henwood
@melanie-henwood.bsky.social
UK Social policy research analyst for past 40+ years; self-employed; family carer; animal lover; former private pilot, erratic equestrian, Springsteen follower and village dweller.
This programme is outstanding. A really revealing look at the experience of growing up in care from an unexpected angle #screenshot www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - Screenshot, Young People In Care
Ellen and Mark delve into the ubiquity of the care-experienced person in film and TV.
bbc.co.uk
Andy Burnham's ambition to build a National Care Service might be finally giving hope for meaningful reform to adult social care. But hope alone is not enough and lots of questions remain, writes @melanie-henwood.bsky.social . blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandp...
Hope at last for social care reform? | LSE British Politics
Andy Burnham's ambition to build a National Care Service might be finally giving hope for meaningful reform to adult social care.
blogs.lse.ac.uk
Andy Burnham’s announcement on a National Care Service, some reflections from me blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandp...
Hope at last for social care reform? | LSE British Politics
Andy Burnham's ambition to build a National Care Service might be finally giving hope for meaningful reform to adult social care.
blogs.lse.ac.uk
Andy Burnham’s commitment to fixing social care is very welcome. But a 2029 Manifesto commitment for a #NationalCareService offers nothing to people currently facing uncertain and catastrophic costs for care.
The Guardian@theguardian.com · 3w ago‘Rip the plaster off’: Andy Burnham sets out vision for universal free social care
Concerns over the wellbeing and whereabouts of #SirRanulphFiennes raise many questions but particularly about the role of the @publicguardian.blog.gov.uk.web.brid.gy www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Ranulph Fiennes’ stepson appeals for funds to ‘locate and safeguard’ the explorer
Alexander Millington-Cotes is concerned for welfare of the 82-year-old, who hasn’t been seen in public for two years
theguardian.com
Worried about AI taking over and destroying us all? Invaluable advice here… generativegazette.substack.com/p/practical-...
Practical Tips for Not Being Killed by AI
I recently learned that there are people working at artificial-intelligence companies who sincerely believe artificial intelligence may kill every human being on Earth.
generativegazette.substack.com
Oh! Very sad to learn #MontyDon is leaving #BBCGardenersWorld. I will miss sharing the views of Longmeadow and Ned. The first programme of Spring always brings hope of renewal. Thank you Monty 👍🙏👏 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Monty Don to leave Gardeners' World after more than 20 years
The presenter said it had been "deeply rewarding" but added that "now is the right time for a change".
bbc.co.uk
Oh that’s sad news. What an extraordinary life and a wonderful soul www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c0...
Dolly Parton, legendary US country singer, dies aged 80
In a statement confirming her death, the singer's team says she will be remembered as an "inspiration" and for her "wit, warmth, and kindness".
bbc.co.uk
#AndyBurnham is going to “fix things politics has neglected.”, and #socialcare is front and centre. A big challenge, and it’s time to resolve it. 👍🙏👏
The outstanding #PeterHennessy has been commentating on British politics for 50 years. Now as he retires from #HofL this is his final broadcast, making the case for #DecencyPolitics A gem of a programme www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Currently - Decency Politics - BBC Sounds
Peter Hennessy asks what has happened to decency in our politics.
bbc.co.uk
Patricia Greene, the voice of #JillArcher for 69 years RIP #TheArchers
#DameLouiseCasey stating case for ‘ National health and care service’ #Today #BBCRadio4 “the right thing to do”. Beginning national consultation 👍
Today would have been Mum and Dad’s 75th wedding anniversary. They almost made it to 63 years before Dad died. Mum won’t know what the day is anymore. 💕 🥲
The independent living movement and our understanding of #DisabilityRights owes so much to the courage and determination of #AnnMacfarlane. Her death is a great loss RIP Ann. kcil.org.uk/in-memory-of...
In Memory of Ann Macfarlane OBE – Kcil
kcil.org.uk
#CarersWeek2026 @carers-uk.bsky.social some reflections on the ongoing challenges carers face to be heard and supported ipc.brookes.ac.uk/walk-a-mile-...
Walk a mile in someone’s shoes - IPC Brookes
To mark Carers Week 2026, and informed by our recent work supporting the development of a carer’s strategy for a local authority, IPC Visiting Research Fellow Dr Melanie Henwood reflects on what matte...
ipc.brookes.ac.uk
I do love #AussieCrime novels and have just devoured this over the weekend by the excellent #DinukaMckenzie
Blimey #TheArchers. I think I need a little lie down 🙄😩🤔
#BBCNewsAtTen bookends the programme with football stories. Really?? Shortage of news?
A gem of a programme on the 1951 #FestivalOfBritain 75 years on. Astonishing achievement in the postwar austerity www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
BBC Two - The 1951 Festival of Britain: A Brave New World
Story behind the festival which showed how to carve out a bright future through design.
bbc.co.uk
#NedraTalleyRoss last member of the sensational Ronettes has died aged 80. RIP. What a sound they made! www.theguardian.com/music/2026/a...
Nedra Talley Ross, last surviving member of the Ronettes, dies aged 80
Singer performed hits including Be My Baby with her cousins Ronnie Spector and Estelle Bennett
theguardian.com
#Detectorists featured on #ThoughtForTheDay hands off - a wonderful programme is not a religious metaphor; it’s a secular delight.
10 Key messages on #OlderPeople health by @gerisoc.bsky.social - essential reading for policy-makers & commissioners - modern service framework #frailty & #EndofLifeCare #palliative 1. Number of people 85 years and older is expected to double by 2047 (1.7m increasing to 3.3m) www.bgs.org.uk/keymsgs
BGS key messages: Older people's healthcare | British Geriatrics Society
BGS key messages have been developed to provide members and multidisciplinary colleagues with topline information about specific issues relating to older people's healthcare. We encourage discussion o...
bgs.org.uk
Very sad news about #JenniMurray. Consummate broadcaster, long time host of Womens Hour and a lovely person. RIP. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Dame Jenni Murray: Former BBC Woman's Hour host dies at 75
She was the Radio 4 programme's longest-serving presenter, having left in 2020 after 33 years.
bbc.co.uk
Dame Louise Casey #SocialCare on #Today #Radio4 time for a new Beveridge to deal with the Giant of our times of ageing and dementia. And political commitment to delivery. A glimmer of hope? @bsgageismsig.bsky.social
