In July this year I embarked on a trip from Orkney through Edinburgh to Southampton and then the Isle of Wight. From there a friend drove me to Teignmouth with a short stop to see a grandson in Weymouth. I returned to Orkney via a few days in Glasgow. This journey involved 'trains and boats and planes'... cars too, as well as 5 airports and several meals 'out'! It all went off without a hitch although I was pretty tired when I got back.. Today, however, I attended a local Open Day at a Mental Health charity I was familiar with through my former job. There was a queue to get in and a hold up at the desk. The foyer had people at tables having cake and coffee the corridor had people milling about and the cafe at the end was busy too... Fortunately, I was familiar with the layout and I was able to get out into the garden which was deserted. I had planned to stay for lunch but had lost my appetite. Long story short, I realised that I would have a panic attack if I stayed so I left. I drove home almost in tears. After a career in social work which often involved attending conferences and large scale training events as well as occasional confrontation/helping people in distress and chairing as well as minuting complex meetings, I was surprised by my reaction and wondered if anyone else had had a similar experience....
Unite the Kingdom and Pro Palestine marches Cup 16th May 2026
