Nick Ward
@nickmward
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Following
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Media
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Statuses
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CEO @ChangeMH_ 💪🏼 Trustee @lgbthealthy 🏳️🌈 @mentalhealthuk 🌦 Former teacher & councillor 🙋🏼♂️ Runner🏃♂️ Sci Fi/History geek 🚀 Eternal optimist☀️
Edinburgh, Scotland
Joined February 2009
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This is abhorrant. I knew Shamima, I was a teacher in her school. She was a child who was effectively groomed. She is a British citizen and it is shocking that citizenship can be so easily stripped away. She deserves our pity and our help, not our scorn.
Shamima Begum should not be allowed to return to the UK to pursue an appeal against the removal of her British citizenship, the Supreme Court has ruled
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As a follow up to the tweet I wrote this piece for TES. People need to remember that she was a child, brainwashed and groomed.
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This is my personal opinion. I was previously a staunch supporter of the No campaign, my views now have shifted a bit, but one thing is 100% clear to me; the right to decide Scotland’s future, our future, should rest with Scottish democracy. Self determination is a human right.
Opposing Scottish independence is a perfectly valid view, though I hope one day you will be convinced otherwise, but the rejection of Scottish democracy isnt; it further highlights a democratic deficit in Britain & everyone-no matter your views-should see this for the farce it is
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Is there any question now that Glasgow City Council is in complete crisis? Can’t keep the streets clean, can’t keep libraries open and can’t now keep the health centres in one of the most unhealthy cities in the UK going makings 100s unemployed. Something needs to be done.
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@svershbow
Born in 1986 and very much grew up with and without the internet. We had man messenger, basic mobile phones and basic dating websites… we had MySpace, bebop and Gaydar! We were the generation that first got Facebook whilst at university. I think maybe your date range is out.
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I was there. There were about 5 people booing and 15,000 people cheering. Let’s keep it in perspective.
Boos meet ‘God save the King’ in Edinburgh.
Consent for the monarchy in the U.K., while a majority view today, is taken as presumed & implicit. One downside with ceremony of accession is it creates space for those who disagree.
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Very excited. Today our
@Autism
Scotland article dropped into the letterbox of 70,000 teachers in Scotland about our joint campaign w/
@scottishautism
&
@cisweb
4 better autism training 4 teachers in initial teacher education. We need this to happen for teachers & autistic kids.
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I’m sorry but this is outrageous. People without gardens need to be able to relax in green settings with friends and 99% of those do so whilst consuming alcohol responsibly. Most people in Edinburgh don’t have a garden.
Avoid a fine – don’t go drinking in the Meadows or other parks. It’s against the coronavirus restrictions law. Be safe.
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Well tonight has been pretty rough. My partner was taken into hospital by ambulance with a suspected heart attack. Was all really scary & tbh I still in shock.
He is much better now but still in hospital. Thank god for some amazing paramedics who really looked after us. ❤️
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At first I was like ‘oh man!’ but then I thought about all I got for that - free social care, nationalised water, I didn’t have to pay tuition fees, I often use free prescriptions. I needed the NHS and free education when I had no money. Now I have money and I should give back.
If you earn £50,000 in Scotland you will be paying a whopping £1,500 more tax than someone south of the border- after SNP failed to match our Budget tax cuts.
#taxonaspiration
BBC News - Scottish budget: Higher earner income tax gap to widen
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Hi
@JeaneF1MSP
- I'm getting a bit worried about my gran in Dundee (94!) who doesn't live in a care home but very sheltered housing with their own tenancies and no one has been in touch about getting the vaccine. What is the process for folk like her?
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The idiots rioting in Glasgow neither represent
@YesScotland
nor
@UK_Together
- all they represent is narrow minded bigotry. Shame on them.
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OMG this is ridiculous. Surely
@RishiSunak
should have picked up the phone to
@KateForbesMSP
and or
@NicolaSturgeon
by now and been clear about what the deal is - either way!? The lack of clarity means that anxiety levels of people go through the roof.
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Today is a big day as we launch our campaign 4 the world’s first commissioner for autistic people and people with a learning disability. I have been working on this for over a year and I’m incredibly proud of my team for getting us to this point! Let’s go!
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Sadly my mum has contracted coronavirus. She is strong and fit so trying not to worry. I last saw her on Saturday so need to put myself into quarantine until Sunday to be safe. Please people, socially distance and quarantine yourself if necessary.
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Big life news!
This weekend I moved into a new flat I bought! Very excited to be living in the medieval heart of Leith with winding cobbled streets galore.
The flat is also a converted wine merchants office with a great bust of Bacchus on the corner!
Love it ❤️
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🚨Big life news 🚨
So the news is out! In December I will be joining the amazing
@suppinmindscot
as their new CEO. Woo! 🥳
I can't wait to get started but I am also very sad to be leaving the brilliant folk at
@AutismScotland
and I am very proud of all we have achieved.
We are thrilled to announce that Nick Ward will be joining us as our new CEO.
“I have, for a long time, been a fan of the organisation & the incredible people centred, compassionate & expert work that it does."
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There is literally a sea battle going on at tower bridge between a vote leave and vote remain flotilla!
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I know it’s a cliche but I really hate the Airbnb in our close. The folk are noisy and pretty inconsiderate and it grates... I do think there needs to be some better legislation in Edinburgh to stop the rampant proliferation of airbnbs and the hollowing out of our communities.
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@wesstreeting
It’s profiteering and the government should bring in an emergency law to make it illegal.
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Tomorrow morning my boyfriend leaves Bangladesh after spending a year coordinating MSF’s medical support for the world’s biggest refugee camp. I am so proud of him & the incredible work he and his colleagues do but as selfish as it is, I cannot wait for him to come home!
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Today was a big day. The opening of our first ever commercial cafe at the top of Broughton street. It’s taken us nearly a year to get here but I’m proud to say that Hopetown Coffee is open!
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Horrific. Sorry I don’t want someone who doesn’t believe or agree with my right to equality to be First Minister. It’s that simple.
NEW: Kate Forbes tells
@Channel4News
she would have voted against equal marriage.
But as First Minister she will not 'row back on rights that already exist.'
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Today is my bf’s birthday! I love him so much. Right now corona is keeping us apart, he is working to stop it in a refugee camp & we don’t know when we will see each other again. Doesn’t matter though, we’ll get there. So lucky to have him in my life. Happy birthday Husni x
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Really pleased that the Sunday Post has gone front page on a story we worked with them on. The detention of autistic people in unsuitable environments is an absolute scandal and all of us at
@AutismScotland
will not stop until it is ended.
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Massive life update - we got it!!!!!! 🥳🥳🥳
Waiting to find out if we have had an offer accepted on a house and honestly it is like some sort of Orwellian torture.
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Just got the tram from almost my front door to the airport and it is a dream! 45’mins, under a tenner for a return and a very beautiful, interesting route. Well done all! 👏👏👏
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I talk about mental health a lot on here, it’s my job, but I don’t talk a lot about my own.
Today I’ve struggled, in fact this week I’ve struggled & that’s okay. Just sharing makes it easier. Sharing it with family, friends & you strangers. Try it.
A run has sorted me out. 💙
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Hi all!
I just want to say thank you to everyone who supported me in the Lothian list. You rock! ❤️
I also want to say that I think the zipping system is wrong.
@kittysull1
is fabulous & got more votes than me! I’ll be writing to the party to ask to swap places with her.
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Today is my birthday Wooo!
Normally I’m really not a birthday person but today I’m just feeling really grateful because it means I’m still alive and in the past year we have lost a lot of good people before their time. Thanks for the birthday love - let’s keep going! ❤️
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So wonderful to hear
@GretaThunberg
saying on
@BBCr4today
that being autistic is a gift, a gift that gives her unique ways of seeing things and understanding problems.
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Today was a tough day and sadly my family and I had to use the services of
@policescotland
and I cannot commend the officers from Drylaw station who helped us today enough.
Compassionate, understanding , patient and professional.
Thank you 🙏
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I'm standing as your
#1
for the
@scottishlabour
Lothian list!
🌹A campaigner, frmr teacher & charity leader
🌹A frmr councillor that took a seat off LibDems
🌹A vision for rebuilding our party
🌹A promise to stand up for ordinary people across Lothian
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@ChantFarrar
We were watching coronation street. Mum was doing the ironing and I asked her how she’d feel if I was gay. She said ‘oh fine’ and I said ‘great because I am.’ She was like ‘oh...oh my... well let me just finish this shirt & sit down.’ She then cried, thanked me and gave me love!
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I think I am going to cry. This is the most wonderful news & is a testament to the hard work & commitment of so many determined to make Scotland better for autistic people and their families. Still lots and lots of work to do but thank you to everyone who supported the campaign.
Great news - today's manifesto from
@theSNP
commits to a Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Commissioner!
Important recognition of the
#OurVoiceOurRights
campaign!
Page 23 in the manifesto:
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I can’t work out if Jackie Weaver is the leader of an undemocratic coup or the great defender of British democracy... ?
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I am really proud that we launching out first LGBT+ group for autistic young people! 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
Our online social groups for autistic people and their families are user-led and free to join, with groups representing different geographical areas, particular interest groups, and much more. And we've recently added a new LGBT+ group to the list!
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All last year when I was using Queen Street Station every day it was a complete construction site... now I’ve not been here for 6 months and it is a palace...
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I think
@TomDaley1994
‘s campaign around countries not being able to hold international competitions if LGBT people are illegal there is brilliant. He is using his position to advocate for LGBT people around the world. Thank you Tom and you have my 100% support!
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SO DARK. Just shows you the complete lack of integrity.
I fell down the Kate Middleton rabbit hole on Reddit. The creepiest thing is the Mirror article where they just replaced Kate with Harry overnight. Same headline, same journalist, different royal.
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So thrilled that the absolutely incredible
@RobHoll
will be becoming the next director of
@AutismScotland
He is an absolute legend, a delight to work with but also someone who is passionate about supporting autistic people & their families.
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Pleased to be in the Mail on Sunday for
@changemh_
talking about the important issues around anti depressants and why they are so over prescribed. We have been sold a lie.
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Omg big queues at Stockbridge for voting. Never seen this in the UK before!
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Ohhhh on the big tv!
Thank you so much to Suzanne and her children for sharing their story and helping us in our call for all autistic kids to get a personal transition plan. It really isn’t too much to ask to help some of the most vulnerable young people in the school system.
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Personal post. Some folk may know that my BF has been going through the torturous process of getting full registration with the general medical council to practice in the UK & we just got the confirmation email through!This took 2 years! So proud of him - now to find an nhs job!
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Our
@RobHoll
was on STV news last night doing a great job highlighting that many autistic people who can’t wear a mask are exempt!
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I was so pleased to visit
@howgateshopping
yesterday to congratulate them on being the first shopping centre in Scotland to achieve the
@Autism
Autism Friendly Award. A great achievement which will make a real difference to autistic people and their families.
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Thank you so much everyone. Your warm wishes have been so lovely and greatly appreciated. 🥰
He has just been discharged with a referral to a specialist clinic. Can’t wait to get him home, make him some food and go to sleep!
Well tonight has been pretty rough. My partner was taken into hospital by ambulance with a suspected heart attack. Was all really scary & tbh I still in shock.
He is much better now but still in hospital. Thank god for some amazing paramedics who really looked after us. ❤️
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Thanks to our local
@sainsburys
across from Glasgow central station for holding so many
@Autism
hours and thank you to our wonderful volunteers who have been collecting money all day!
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I'm happy to queue for ages, or be summoned in the middle of the night. It is a public health crisis that only vaccinations will solve & I am pretty sure having covid/giving it to a loved one is more of an inconvenience than a 3am appointment. Why can't we do this
@HumzaYousaf
?
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My bf is at the heart of this right now. He has been up since 5am to try and prepare the refugee camp that he is part responsible for. I’m really worried about and can’t stop thinking about him right now but I know he is doing good work. ❤️🙏❤️
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I’ll be making a complaint about the deliberate and constant misgendering within this rather inaccurate article which frankly is abusive. I’d encourage you to do the same.
Inquiry launched into row over 'transphobia' in Edinburgh pub
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Just seen that our wonderful friend
@CatrionaSScot
has been awarded an OBE for services to autistic woman. She certainly deserves it! Congratulations Catriona from all of us at
@Autism
and
@AutismScotland
!
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Twitter biog updated so it’s happening! Off to my first day as CEO of
@suppinmindscot
- please be easy on me!
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So I’ve had quite the day! Been in ninewells hospital after the ulcer on my eye came back, this time they have given me loads of medication which is good… but even better this dashing Bond villain eye patch! Might just keep this as part of my look.
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So I am going to be gross but my boyfriend really is the love of my life. He is a legend. I am so lucky!
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Just completed my first half marathon. Furthest I’ve ever ran. I never thought I was the kind of person who could do this. My confidence in my ability was so undermined at school and now I’ve done this. We really can achieve anything with the right support. I hurt already 😂😅💪
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Today is my 2 year anniversary as CEO of
@changemh_
& what an adventure! We've grown hugely as an organisation in our size, our ambition but most importantly our impact.
I am so lucky to work with such brilliant people, in a job I love and for a cause I am passionate about 💙
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This is completely unacceptable, indeed scandalous. There is absolutely no reason for this and it doesn’t match guidance. Autistic people, indeed all disabled people’s lives are not worth less.
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Yay I got Twitter balloons!
Looking forward to a birthday day consisting of a nice run and breakfast and then a boozy late and long lunch affair with some friends.
Turning 36 is great. I used to hate birthdays but the last couple of years has shown me to be grateful to be here.
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Brilliant.
@JoanMcAlpine
makes the powerful case for a commissioner for autistic people and people with a learning disability arguing that a commissioner would have made to our communities during the pandemic. Joan had been a real champion for change.
#OurVoiceOurRights
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This is a crime.
This is honestly the worst and most upsetting before and after I’ve ever seen
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Not really one for Valentine’s Day but... everyday I count my blessings to have the kindest, smartest most generous and loving man in my life. ❤️❤️❤️
Soz! 🤢
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We are so grateful for the funding and so excited about expanding our online social groups to tackle the social isolation many autistic people and their families are facing in these tough times! Thank you!
We're providing more than £200,000 extra funding for
@scottishautism
and the National Autistic Society (
@Autism
), to help them increase their support for autistic people across Scotland during the
#coronavirus
pandemic.
Find out more ➡️
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Aww! Today is my last day at
@AutismScotland
and I just want to say how utterly grateful and proud I am to work with so many inspirational people trying to change the world for the better. Thank you all so much. It has been an incredible honour and one I will never forget. ❤️💪🏼
Last meeting with
@nickmward
who departs
@AutismScotland
today for pastures new.
A really inspiring third sector leader. Onwards my good man!
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So seeing
@JinkxMonsoon
tonight was just superb. She is so incredibly talented, funny and a brilliant singer! Probably the best drag show I’ve seen and I’ve seen a lot now! Thanks for the laughs, songs and existential dread!
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Support in Mind Scotland is no more. We are now Change Mental Health!
What a journey this has been but we are so proud to be the same organisation with the same values and vision but now more outward facing and accessible!
Please watch our video below & share.
#TimeForChange
We are now Change Mental Health.
For 50 years, our mission has remained the same: to support those affected by illness and that's one thing that's not changing.
Let’s build a future where no one has to face mental illness alone:
#TimeForChange
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I have just stopped crying so I can say that I have finished
#ItsASin
which is, without doubt, one of the most iridescent and searing works of art I have ever seen.
It is devastating. Life affirming. And beautifully, beautifully gay.
❤️🏳️🌈❤️
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My bf made a traditional Indonesian dish called Soto Banjar and oh my god it is amazing. I heartily recommend getting yourself a multicultural household… with a partner who loves to cook!
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It's my 1 year anniversary as CEO of one of the most fantastic orgs in the world
@changemh_
It has been a privilege to lead this organisation and I have learnt so much about mental health, leadership and change.
I am so proud of what we have achieved and will achieve together!
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I was annoyed the bf got up so early but then I discovered he was making home made cardamon buns from scratch and all was forgiven.
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I had never really ever thought about
@MotherwellFC
before starting to work with
@jay_mfc
and
@AndrewWilson
and now I am pretty sure I am a supporter. Like they just seem to have great values: they are what a great football club should be: passionate, good tempered & fan owned.
It's our club.
The players and football management team have joined our fan ownership group
@TheWellSociety
.
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We decided to do a Christmas photoshoot to raise our spirits because you know... something has to!
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As the train just pulled up to the station I went 'choo choo' in my head, except it wasn't in my head, it was out loud & people looked.
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My sleepy boyfriend at 6:30 this morning as I get dressed for work:
‘I know you missed breakfast yesterday because you needed to get to work so early, I don’t want you to do it again so I made you some overnight oats last night before bed. They are in the fridge.’
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😍
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So my wonderful bf decided to surprise me, from Bangladesh where he is working, with some beautiful flowers on Valentine’s Day. Totally unexpected and he is a complete sweetheart.
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Great meeting with our colleagues from
@gtcs
@ScotGovEdu
and
@EducationScot
today working towards making education in Scotland better for autistic pupils.
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So bf and I had an argument tonight because I said I needed him to get some flour from the pantry but he thought I meant go to the shops and buy me flowers! I stopped him just as he was about to stomp off to Waitrose. I can’t believe he was going to get me flowers on demand! ❤️
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This is completely unacceptable. Autism is not caused by missing the bus. It is probably a genetic condition. Misinformation like in the article below is not only completely inaccurate but frankly, very dangerous.
@Telegraph
needs to take down the article urgently.
The Telegraph claiming Autism is caused by children missing school during the pandemic is a new low in
@BadMedicalTakes
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My wonderful boyfriend is quoted in this article. He is working ons top to try and stop Covid-19 from breaking out in the Rohinga refugee camp. Thousands of lives depend on him, I know he can do it and I am very proud.
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Anyone else starting to find the endless repetition of this year a bit much? I feel like everyday is basically exactly the same and it’s boring. I’ve last 9 months but I think it is starting to get to me a little!
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It is disgusting that a tweet like this even has to be sent. Autistic people should not be subject to such barbaric torture anywhere.
#StopTheShock
Using electric shocks to “correct” autistic people’s behaviour is cruel and wrong. We stand with autistic people and completely condemn this. We’re writing to the US ambassador to express our concern. Autistic people should be accepted and supported.
#StopTheShock
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Really proud of this.
Farthest I’ve ever run without stopping. It rained. It hailed. The sun shone and I didn’t stop. 😌😮💨😅
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This is absolutely not cool or clear why, if you have previously passed your test, getting an autism diagnosis would affect your ability to drive. We at
@autism
are urgently asking for clarification form the DVLA.
Thanks so much for highlighting this
@jessphillips
There are an awful lot of us very concerned tonight after a day of worrying. Spoke to
@DVLAgovuk
today they said I must get my registration form back in 14 days or my licence will be revoked. Autism isn’t an illness. Scary stuff
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Great being out on the doorsteps in Edinburgh Southern this afternoon and really warm response for
@Daniel4Southern
and
@ScottishLabour
which is in stark contrast to how cold my hands and ears feel!
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Now it is time to relax with my guy for the first time this year. So looking forward to doing absolutely nothing in an absolutely stunning location.
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And we are finished. I’m in my new bed, absolutely exhausted 8am to 10:22pm of work. My legs are killing me from going up and down so many stairs. The new place is a tip but at least we are in and done and we can unpack tomorrow. Good night all!
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I’m so proud of this charity & so honoured to work with so many fantastic folk.
For 50 years we have been working to support people with mental illness & with our new strategy we will redouble our efforts.
Special thanks to
@Emma_Roddick
&
@KevinStewartSNP
for your support 🤍
50 years of supporting people affected by mental illness 🙌
An incredible evening at
@ScotParl
to celebrate 50 years of our charity while launching our new name, brand and strategy.
Together, we can build a future where no one faces mental illness alone.
#TimeForChange
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Check out my comment piece in the Scotsman: Autistic people and their families shouldn't have to fight the system.
Our
@AutismScotland
Cross Party Group report with
@scottishautism
highlights the problems but also, critically, offers some solutions.
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My partner is a doctor. Since March 2020 he's worked under exceptional pressure. He worked 12 hour shifts & came home with bruises from the PPE. He hasn't seen his family abroad for 2 years. He has sacrificed a lot.
@NHS_Lothian
said thanks today & it has really moved us both.🙏
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Ten year challenge.
On the left 2012 a very tired teacher in Bethnal Green. On the right a very tired charity CEO.
Some things never change and some things do work out.
#10yearchallenge
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Today was an inspiring conference and the first that
@AutismScotland
has hosted in Scotland for 3 years! Many more to come and thank you so much to everyone who came, who delivered at it and the incredible staff who pulled it all together!
#AutismWomen
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Welcome
@MareeToddMSP
to the Mental Health brief! Looking forward to working with you to make sure no one has to face mental illness alone. I also want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to
@KevinStewartSNP
- he’s been a tireless champion for better mental health support! 🙏
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@addyknight
@ScotCuthbertson
We all have the same memory/ experience. In someways its amazing that all those wee boys and girls who thought they were alone doing it were far from it!
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