Why money matters to mental well-being
By Dr. Hana Patel, NHS GP & Medico-Legal Expert Witness. Financial and money worries are often reasons that patients consult with me, as, this can impact on our mental health. Sadly with the increased cost-of-living pressures, I am seeing first hand with patients how this can lead to more financial stress. Having mental health issues […]
Cash-flow philosophy from a former monk
For the winter issue of Hopezine, Erica asks STEVIE SHAW, a former monk, what his money tips are. In his philosophical article here, he reveals all… “MONEY DOESN’T GROW ON TREES!” By Stevie Shaw “You need to buck your ideas up sonny Jim,” shouted Father. “Money doesn’t grow on trees, you know!” My father always […]
Welcome to autumn 2023 Hopezine!
Editor’s letter Welcome to autumn’s Hopezine, an ode tothe animals we take care of.In this special issue, award-winning authorsfrom my publishers Victorina Press, pentheir own vignettes about the pets theylove. I’ve taken to bird twitching. And aProfessor of Psychology tells us all aboutthe benefits of taking care of a pet, forbetter mental health.The cover art […]
Caring for pets is good for us by Professor David Clark-Carter
By Professor David Clark-CarterIt’s a formula that works and there’s robust science to supportthe idea that caring for a pet is good for our mental health.At nearby Staffordshire University, Emeritus Professor ofPsychology, David Clark-Carter, agrees that caring for animalsand pets can both remedy some of the factors that contributeto poor well-being.Speaking to Hopezine, he writes:“Loneliness, […]
My life as a cat servant by Amanda Huggins
Every cat that has ever employed me has been a madcap character.I’ve saved adult ducks and rabbits (and the neighbour’s kid’s soft toys)from the jaws of expert hunters, climbed a rickety fire escape to rescue adeaf, cross-eyed tom who scarred me for life in the process, andcollected another (the Devil’s own spawn) from the Yorkshire […]
Spring-a-doodle-do! By Gail Aldwin
I’ve never been a pet owner although my husband is proud of the goldfish livingin our pond. When we moved to Dorset in 2007, our children begged us to get adog but we didn’t succumb. This year, my now grown-up daughter announced shewanted a puppy. I was underwhelmed at the prospect but watched her gettingmore […]
Louis Wain, a most illustrious illustrator
By Erica Crompton To purchase your own Outsider Art like the one above, visit leading specialist Henry Boxer Gallery at www.outsiderart.co.uk. Bright, beguiling and saccharine are all words that can be associatedwith this month’s cover kitty, and the illustrations of cats, printed in thismonth’s animal special. Known as the Mona Lisa of Asylum Art, Louis […]
Bird twitching is good for your mental health
By Erica Crompton Since recently moving into an accessible bungalow that backs on towoodlands, I’ve discovered the joys of bird watching. Take a look atmy view from the French windows! All green and woodland.By far the best investment has been a metal bird-feeder to hang ona branch outside. It does need to be metal to […]
Summer Hopezine 2023 made with love with Unlock
With over 12 million people in the UK holding a criminal record, it’s time Hopezine handed over it’s pages to law-abiding citizens who have criminal records. This summer is the specialedition made with members of the charity, Unlock, for people with criminal records. Think it doesn’t apply to you? Tried cannabis in your teens or […]
An Education, written by Jen McPherson
University was my entire world. I thrived there both on and off my course. I edited the studentnewspaper, had a show on the student radio station and organised an international development summit. I loved my course – politics with international relations – and made friends from around the world. Then disaster struck. It started with […]