Charlie Jones
@charliepsych.bsky.social
Clinical psychologist in an acute hospital.
NHS. Person-centred care.
Relationships & dialogue in healthcare.
Health creation.
Appreciation of simple things.
I'm a dad. Identical twins🤍🤍
Living in Bristol
#SpacesForListening
NHS. Person-centred care.
Relationships & dialogue in healthcare.
Health creation.
Appreciation of simple things.
I'm a dad. Identical twins🤍🤍
Living in Bristol
#SpacesForListening
Pinned
Charlie Jones
@charliepsych.bsky.social
· Nov 29
'Spaces for listening': Conversations with Contributors: Brigid Russell and Charlie Jones
A conservation between Editor of The Resurgence & Ecologist Magazine, Susan Clarke and contributors Brigid Russell and Charlie Jones. Read the article:…
vimeo.com
Here's a 25min video about #SpacesForListening
vimeo.com/1033441520?s...
Thanks to @susanresurgence.bsky.social for a lovely conversation with @brigidrussell51 & me.
And thanks to all you wonderful souls who have come to #SpacesForListening over the last 4 years. The fire's still burning bright.
vimeo.com/1033441520?s...
Thanks to @susanresurgence.bsky.social for a lovely conversation with @brigidrussell51 & me.
And thanks to all you wonderful souls who have come to #SpacesForListening over the last 4 years. The fire's still burning bright.
When you're living with a chronic condition, continuity of care helps to contain anxiety- when you know there'll be a reassuring response in the event of inevitable flare ups. The ongoing relationship IS the intervention.
Services can't offer this anymore, & there's increased anxiety throughout.
Services can't offer this anymore, & there's increased anxiety throughout.
November 25, 2025 at 7:47 AM
When you're living with a chronic condition, continuity of care helps to contain anxiety- when you know there'll be a reassuring response in the event of inevitable flare ups. The ongoing relationship IS the intervention.
Services can't offer this anymore, & there's increased anxiety throughout.
Services can't offer this anymore, & there's increased anxiety throughout.
I was speaking to a clinical leader about a big meeting he goes to. He said "it's like we all turn into children: 'i want i want i want i want' & we just can't have it all".
This has really stayed with me. The reality of competing views. The need for wise souls to bring calmness & trustworthiness.
This has really stayed with me. The reality of competing views. The need for wise souls to bring calmness & trustworthiness.
November 24, 2025 at 9:06 PM
I was speaking to a clinical leader about a big meeting he goes to. He said "it's like we all turn into children: 'i want i want i want i want' & we just can't have it all".
This has really stayed with me. The reality of competing views. The need for wise souls to bring calmness & trustworthiness.
This has really stayed with me. The reality of competing views. The need for wise souls to bring calmness & trustworthiness.
It’s a generalisation, but there's an almost impossible combination right now of huge numbers of people desperately needing help from clinical services, at the same time as people working in clinical services at the limits of coping & exhaustion.
This isn’t ‘news’, but it’s important to say it.
This isn’t ‘news’, but it’s important to say it.
November 24, 2025 at 2:17 PM
It’s a generalisation, but there's an almost impossible combination right now of huge numbers of people desperately needing help from clinical services, at the same time as people working in clinical services at the limits of coping & exhaustion.
This isn’t ‘news’, but it’s important to say it.
This isn’t ‘news’, but it’s important to say it.
There are people who inspire me, whose thoughts & opinions i want to hear. And, from what i know, these people too have distress & strain to deal with. Nobody has it 'sorted', nobody's figured out some magic life formula. What i find inspiring is realness, & trying things out. Courage. Integrity.
November 23, 2025 at 9:16 PM
There are people who inspire me, whose thoughts & opinions i want to hear. And, from what i know, these people too have distress & strain to deal with. Nobody has it 'sorted', nobody's figured out some magic life formula. What i find inspiring is realness, & trying things out. Courage. Integrity.
There are times with patients when it's hard to come up with a question, when the person is struggling to speak. There might be silence, it might feel uncomfortable. It might even feel like 'should we just call it a day'. It's important to commit to hanging in there, to 'stay with', to be 'in' it.
November 23, 2025 at 8:26 AM
There are times with patients when it's hard to come up with a question, when the person is struggling to speak. There might be silence, it might feel uncomfortable. It might even feel like 'should we just call it a day'. It's important to commit to hanging in there, to 'stay with', to be 'in' it.
i made a total error of going into town today. A Saturday before Christmas what was I thinking? It was shocking just how stressful it was. As far as I could see very few people seemed ok. All the adverts talking about 'the perfect Christmas' & how we all just need to consume more & more nom nom nom🤢
November 22, 2025 at 9:26 PM
i made a total error of going into town today. A Saturday before Christmas what was I thinking? It was shocking just how stressful it was. As far as I could see very few people seemed ok. All the adverts talking about 'the perfect Christmas' & how we all just need to consume more & more nom nom nom🤢
If you understand better what's going on, then you're in a better place to consider next steps.
There are always layers of context- meanings, motivations, feelings, relationships, history... all of which shape 'whats going on' for people.
This is at the heart of psychological working.
There are always layers of context- meanings, motivations, feelings, relationships, history... all of which shape 'whats going on' for people.
This is at the heart of psychological working.
November 22, 2025 at 10:15 AM
If you understand better what's going on, then you're in a better place to consider next steps.
There are always layers of context- meanings, motivations, feelings, relationships, history... all of which shape 'whats going on' for people.
This is at the heart of psychological working.
There are always layers of context- meanings, motivations, feelings, relationships, history... all of which shape 'whats going on' for people.
This is at the heart of psychological working.
What still gets me with those early covid times was- so much was based on trust. We had to trust each other to get on with it, to do our best for each other, to trust each other's good will. And yet in government there was opportunism, ego, entitlement, neglect. It was a deep breach of trust.
November 21, 2025 at 9:10 PM
What still gets me with those early covid times was- so much was based on trust. We had to trust each other to get on with it, to do our best for each other, to trust each other's good will. And yet in government there was opportunism, ego, entitlement, neglect. It was a deep breach of trust.
My feeling reading about the covid inquiry is just how much unprocessed grief there still is, so many untold stories. So much need for ongoing healing & coming to terms with.
November 20, 2025 at 9:50 PM
My feeling reading about the covid inquiry is just how much unprocessed grief there still is, so many untold stories. So much need for ongoing healing & coming to terms with.
I'm all for relational working. But within this, it should be possible to say no to projects. I've done this recently- turned down the chance to get involved in something as it's unfunded & I don't have the energy to go 'above & beyond'. Relational working shouldn't be a pressure to always say yes.
November 20, 2025 at 9:12 PM
I'm all for relational working. But within this, it should be possible to say no to projects. I've done this recently- turned down the chance to get involved in something as it's unfunded & I don't have the energy to go 'above & beyond'. Relational working shouldn't be a pressure to always say yes.
I'm reminded about the importance of belonging.
And maybe there’s belonging in a place or community- being free to be your true self, rather than having to 'fit in'.
Maybe also there’s belonging *within yourself*- being open to all aspects of yourself rather than silencing ‘unacceptable’ parts...
And maybe there’s belonging in a place or community- being free to be your true self, rather than having to 'fit in'.
Maybe also there’s belonging *within yourself*- being open to all aspects of yourself rather than silencing ‘unacceptable’ parts...
November 19, 2025 at 10:17 PM
I'm reminded about the importance of belonging.
And maybe there’s belonging in a place or community- being free to be your true self, rather than having to 'fit in'.
Maybe also there’s belonging *within yourself*- being open to all aspects of yourself rather than silencing ‘unacceptable’ parts...
And maybe there’s belonging in a place or community- being free to be your true self, rather than having to 'fit in'.
Maybe also there’s belonging *within yourself*- being open to all aspects of yourself rather than silencing ‘unacceptable’ parts...
It is possible to still be a decent human being & care, even within a rotten, broken system.
It's important to notice examples of this happening- to appreciate it, & to take inspiration from it.
It's important to notice examples of this happening- to appreciate it, & to take inspiration from it.
November 19, 2025 at 6:30 PM
It is possible to still be a decent human being & care, even within a rotten, broken system.
It's important to notice examples of this happening- to appreciate it, & to take inspiration from it.
It's important to notice examples of this happening- to appreciate it, & to take inspiration from it.
Meeting with people with life-limiting conditions, it often comes up about ‘legacy’, & thoughts about ‘what am I leaving behind?’ There can be an initial focus on ‘things’, achievements etc. But more often than not, we come to talk about what matters more- having time & being with people we love.
November 19, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Meeting with people with life-limiting conditions, it often comes up about ‘legacy’, & thoughts about ‘what am I leaving behind?’ There can be an initial focus on ‘things’, achievements etc. But more often than not, we come to talk about what matters more- having time & being with people we love.
Always feels touching to hear years later from people who used to be patients. I love getting bits of life update, like "remember how we used to talk about [important thing]? well you'll never guess what happened..."
Feels a marker of an important relationship that people feel able to get in touch.
Feels a marker of an important relationship that people feel able to get in touch.
November 18, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Always feels touching to hear years later from people who used to be patients. I love getting bits of life update, like "remember how we used to talk about [important thing]? well you'll never guess what happened..."
Feels a marker of an important relationship that people feel able to get in touch.
Feels a marker of an important relationship that people feel able to get in touch.
'The best portion of a good man's life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness & of love' ~William Wordsworth
Amidst the exhausting state of the big picture, the feeling of powerlessness, don't underestimate the little things we can do. These matter.
Amidst the exhausting state of the big picture, the feeling of powerlessness, don't underestimate the little things we can do. These matter.
November 18, 2025 at 8:05 AM
'The best portion of a good man's life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness & of love' ~William Wordsworth
Amidst the exhausting state of the big picture, the feeling of powerlessness, don't underestimate the little things we can do. These matter.
Amidst the exhausting state of the big picture, the feeling of powerlessness, don't underestimate the little things we can do. These matter.
The NHS staff survey asks about staff wellbeing, eg does your org take positive action on health & wellbeing? Yes, ours does- there's a fab Staff Psychology team, senior leaders care
So, are people ok then?
No. The issues run way deeper- staffing, our ability to do a good job for patients, hope...
So, are people ok then?
No. The issues run way deeper- staffing, our ability to do a good job for patients, hope...
November 17, 2025 at 9:06 PM
The NHS staff survey asks about staff wellbeing, eg does your org take positive action on health & wellbeing? Yes, ours does- there's a fab Staff Psychology team, senior leaders care
So, are people ok then?
No. The issues run way deeper- staffing, our ability to do a good job for patients, hope...
So, are people ok then?
No. The issues run way deeper- staffing, our ability to do a good job for patients, hope...
Reposted by Charlie Jones
We just CANNOT keep turning a blind eye to the intense and relentless pressure our nurses and other frontline staff are under.
NHS staff cannot care for the nation if the system is breaking them in the process.
morningstaronline.co.uk/article/reco...
NHS staff cannot care for the nation if the system is breaking them in the process.
morningstaronline.co.uk/article/reco...
Record number of nurses suffering nightmares and panic attacks due to understaffing, RCN poll finds
NURSES are suffering nightmares and panic attacks due to understaffing in the NHS, a poll has revealed.Workforce shortages are forcing many to keep working while ill, leaving them “broken” by stress, ...
morningstaronline.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 5:19 PM
We just CANNOT keep turning a blind eye to the intense and relentless pressure our nurses and other frontline staff are under.
NHS staff cannot care for the nation if the system is breaking them in the process.
morningstaronline.co.uk/article/reco...
NHS staff cannot care for the nation if the system is breaking them in the process.
morningstaronline.co.uk/article/reco...
If i ask hospital colleagues- "do you think things are getting better?" what would people would say...?
Ofc there's loads of data about performance, waiting times etc. But what many of us really notice is- How are stress/threat levels? Are we able to do a decent job? Are we able to think properly?
Ofc there's loads of data about performance, waiting times etc. But what many of us really notice is- How are stress/threat levels? Are we able to do a decent job? Are we able to think properly?
November 17, 2025 at 7:39 AM
If i ask hospital colleagues- "do you think things are getting better?" what would people would say...?
Ofc there's loads of data about performance, waiting times etc. But what many of us really notice is- How are stress/threat levels? Are we able to do a decent job? Are we able to think properly?
Ofc there's loads of data about performance, waiting times etc. But what many of us really notice is- How are stress/threat levels? Are we able to do a decent job? Are we able to think properly?
Reposted by Charlie Jones
Of course you know why a private market in health care is so bad for health.
The best way to make money is to sell a drug that relieves the symptoms of, but does not cure, a very uncomfortable chronic condition.
The worst way to make money is to prevent illness through social change.
The best way to make money is to sell a drug that relieves the symptoms of, but does not cure, a very uncomfortable chronic condition.
The worst way to make money is to prevent illness through social change.
November 16, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Of course you know why a private market in health care is so bad for health.
The best way to make money is to sell a drug that relieves the symptoms of, but does not cure, a very uncomfortable chronic condition.
The worst way to make money is to prevent illness through social change.
The best way to make money is to sell a drug that relieves the symptoms of, but does not cure, a very uncomfortable chronic condition.
The worst way to make money is to prevent illness through social change.
When someone's in distress, don't go straight to something 'positive' or trying to make it better.
Hear where someone's at, take the time, 'be with'. Be willing to stay with the real discomfort- what a difference this makes, rather than reaching for the temporary relief of a superficial solution.
Hear where someone's at, take the time, 'be with'. Be willing to stay with the real discomfort- what a difference this makes, rather than reaching for the temporary relief of a superficial solution.
November 16, 2025 at 9:36 AM
When someone's in distress, don't go straight to something 'positive' or trying to make it better.
Hear where someone's at, take the time, 'be with'. Be willing to stay with the real discomfort- what a difference this makes, rather than reaching for the temporary relief of a superficial solution.
Hear where someone's at, take the time, 'be with'. Be willing to stay with the real discomfort- what a difference this makes, rather than reaching for the temporary relief of a superficial solution.
We had a proper Bristol day today. A spray paint/graffiti art session in Stokes Croft this morning. Falafels on Gloucester Road for lunch. Then the wildlife photographer of the year exhibition at the museum. Finished off with a walk in Badocks Wood with a soaking wet dog. What a lush day😃
November 15, 2025 at 8:55 PM
We had a proper Bristol day today. A spray paint/graffiti art session in Stokes Croft this morning. Falafels on Gloucester Road for lunch. Then the wildlife photographer of the year exhibition at the museum. Finished off with a walk in Badocks Wood with a soaking wet dog. What a lush day😃
To my amazement, our sons' EHCP reviews seemed to go pretty well yesterday. These meetings usually feel so threatening, but to be fair the case worker was kind & caring, & seemed genuinely commited to understanding & being helpful. Yes, the SEN system is appalling, but there's good people within it.
November 15, 2025 at 10:04 AM
To my amazement, our sons' EHCP reviews seemed to go pretty well yesterday. These meetings usually feel so threatening, but to be fair the case worker was kind & caring, & seemed genuinely commited to understanding & being helpful. Yes, the SEN system is appalling, but there's good people within it.
I often hear patients describe the NHS as something like- good people, individually doing their best, but within bad systems where there's miscommunication & disjointedness. It's obvsly complex. But solutions surely lie somewhere in thoughtful processes, & having resources to enable those processes.
November 15, 2025 at 8:46 AM
I often hear patients describe the NHS as something like- good people, individually doing their best, but within bad systems where there's miscommunication & disjointedness. It's obvsly complex. But solutions surely lie somewhere in thoughtful processes, & having resources to enable those processes.
I get asked to see 'anxious patients' on the wards. When you listen, it usually makes complete sense that the person is anxious. For patients it's a relief to make sense of whats going on, & for us carers it's important we see how the CONTEXT drives anxiety- it's not an intrinsic part of the person.
November 14, 2025 at 8:48 PM
I get asked to see 'anxious patients' on the wards. When you listen, it usually makes complete sense that the person is anxious. For patients it's a relief to make sense of whats going on, & for us carers it's important we see how the CONTEXT drives anxiety- it's not an intrinsic part of the person.
More & more it's clear that the most effective way to help people is to listen, to understand needs, & then find ways to meet needs. A holistic, human approach.
And at the same time, i see overwhelmed services having tighter & tighter criteria on what we can offer. It's narrow & service-centric.
And at the same time, i see overwhelmed services having tighter & tighter criteria on what we can offer. It's narrow & service-centric.
November 14, 2025 at 8:37 AM
More & more it's clear that the most effective way to help people is to listen, to understand needs, & then find ways to meet needs. A holistic, human approach.
And at the same time, i see overwhelmed services having tighter & tighter criteria on what we can offer. It's narrow & service-centric.
And at the same time, i see overwhelmed services having tighter & tighter criteria on what we can offer. It's narrow & service-centric.