Vicky Biccy's Blog

Passing the buck

Lately, I keep running into stories with a similar theme. A few weeks ago I was on a child protection training course, with lots of people who work in healthcare or social services. As we discussed responses to hypothetical situations, a picture began to emerge of a flawed system. Everyone affirmed the hard work and commitment of those caring for people in difficult situations. But many mentioned the ‘gaps’ in the system and the tragic cases which could have been avoided if information had been shared between different organisations working with the same family.

You might remember a recent news story of single mum, Fiona Pilkington, who killed herself and her disabled daughter following years of abuse from their neighbours. Yesterday I read this story; an all too similar case in Poole, Dorset. The author reflects on how the situation is compounded ‘because society is so dislocated… People live out their lives in terrible isolation.’

I know that the whole thing is extremely complex. But feeling bad and then forgetting about it doesn’t seem like an appropriate response. So what can I do? If one of the many problems is isolation, I can do something about that, at least. I can say ‘hi’; that’s not too difficult. When I see someone who seems to be weighed down by the world, I can stop and chat, ask them how they are doing, and if there’s any way I can help. It’s better than going home to turn on the TV, watch the news, say ‘isn’t it awful’, and then leaving someone else to deal with it all.
 

Created on Wed 14th October 2009 09:12