It was incredibly moving to watch the debate on the Third Reading of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill (The Hillsborough Law) yesterday in parliament. The images of Margaret Aspinall and speeches by @ianbyrnemp_ and @andy.burnham brought me to tears, as we remember the double trauma….1/3

As we move to Ireland, I couldn’t imagine a better way to bring the curtain down on 10+ years living in this lovely part of Merseyside - the county of my birth. I have taken the whole week off and am spending it in one of my favourite places @royalbirkdale, with my favourite people…..1/3

Like millions of others, I have been glued to the latest DCC series on Netflix. It is great TV but also a massively important illustration of the challenges presented by sports and activities that focus so much on body and appearance….1/4

I have now completed my last client sessions at Formby High School and Christ the King, Southport. Over the last five years it has been a privilege to work closely with these two schools and support so many students and staff….1/3

Great weekend in Belfast. It was a brilliant to see our new house again and to tick off “uniform shopping” from our to-do list. More importantly, it was a lovely taster of what life could be like for us in a few weeks’ time.….1/2

It’s been a very emotional and challenging week, with more goodbyes, chapters being closed, and a lot of reflections and realisations (and tears). Working through some endings with clients this week has helped me realise things - about my own life and the reasons some relationships affect…..1/2

I’ve been thinking a lot this week about the victims of paedophile, Jeffrey Donaldson, and the incredible courage of the two woman who spoke up and told their horrific stories of abuse at his hands. I work with sexual assault and abuse victims every week…1/3

Nifty shifty, look who's 50! Big day for Ireland as my wonderful wife and Aoife’s magnificent mum turns 50 today. We are so proud of everything Aileen is and stands for - she is the most decent, honest, compassionate, determined and beautiful person (who doesn’t look a day over 35!)….1/2

I’ve been a politics nerd since I was in primary school - I wanted to be an MP and, for years, wanted to be prime minister. I stood for parliament a lifetime ago (in 2010) - but now just watch from the sidelines, but with great interest. It’s a very tough business….1/3

My Father’s Day running reflection: it’s such a tricky day for lots of people, for lots of reasons. I absolutely love being a dad but I find this day to be full of so many mixed feelings and difficult thoughts. I hope that anyone who finds today to be complicated/difficult….1/2

Andy Burnham’s victory overnight has filled me with great hope. I had the pleasure of meeting him when he was Secretary of State for Health and since - and Dr J worked with him on a key trade visit to Ireland....1/2

I am delighted, and really grateful, that so many of my existing in-person clients are going to be making the move to Ireland with me (virtually) - continuing their sessions online/by phone….1/2

Yesterday’s UK government announcement on a social media ban for under 16s has the country talking - and reflecting on the dangers (and benefits) of social media, not just for children. I know that a ban is a very blunt instrument - and that more detail on the rest of the measures is needed....1/3

The long overdue ban on social media for under 16s is hugely significant and welcome - it's great news. Children and young people's lives will be safer and healthier as a result. However, the Prime Minister's announcement and his answers to questions on it were too vague and detail-free.....1/2

I’ve been thinking a lot this week about the distressing unrest in Belfast (after recent unrest in Southampton). Both promoted by horrific events but clearly underpinned by deeper feelings. I have my own very strongly-held views on society (based on my belief in diversity, inclusivity…..1/3

The end of the working week often provides me with a few moments to reflect - I try to have a relatively light schedule on a Friday. This week has been extremely moving and challenging (not helped by a cold!). It has been a time of endings and transitions, as we prepare to move to Ireland.....1/3

Today is the fourth anniversary of me qualifying as a therapist. I have worked with around 400 clients and done nearly 4500 hours in that time. It has been, and continues to be, the greatest privilege of my professional life and gives me the opportunity to draw on my lived experience of my….1/3

I am so grateful for the dozens and dozens of kind comments here and on other platforms since Dr J and I announced our move to Ireland yesterday. I am grateful too for my clients who will move from “in-person” to working online with me after the move…..1/3

Over the next few weeks we are starting a new and exciting chapter for our family. We are moving. Aileen is going home after 25 years of being in England, and I am fulfilling my dream of living on the island of Ireland…..1/3

Tell me you’re Irish without telling me you’re Irish…..

Some time off today - taken my daughter and her friend for lunch and shopping (although I’m not cool enough to be allowed to do the actual shopping!). It has given me time to breathe and catch up with myself - and do some writing.….1/3

Thank you to the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges for this clear message about the dangers and damage of social media for under 16s (featured by the BBC and most media outlets). The position could not be clearer: social media for young people is as damaging as smoking.…1/3

I love newspapers. I’ve been reading broadsheet newspapers since I was around eleven - thanks to my brilliant English teacher, Mr Pullan (who also wrote for The Independent - my first newspaper of choice) and my wonderful nan, who used to buy it for me…..1/2

“Parting is such sweet sorrow”. It was an emotional afternoon at Anfield. Lots of big feelings about players leaving, and returning, and no longer with us. I found it extra emotional - looking into the stands in the sunshine.…1/2

This horrendous case - and the disgraceful sentencing - is sickening on so many levels. It tells us so much about the horrific issue of male violence against women’s girls - and the huge, toxic influence of social media. We need a culture shift - yesterday!….1/2

I completed my response to the UK government consultation on social media at the end of last week. I strongly supported a ban on social media for under 16s and restrictions on other features which are designed to drive addiction to online platforms for young people.....1/3

I took an early flight to Ireland this morning for a day’s flying visit. It evoked melancholy, as I reflected on how often I woke at 5am and took red eye flights all over Europe during my corporate career. It was an extraordinarily tough time, which brought me unbearable stress and deep…..1/2

For those of us who care about Celtic Football Club this is a very special and emotional day. This day is only possible because of one person: Martin O’Neill. His leadership (in two spells) this season has gone well beyond football: it is a example of how to support people....1/3

Race Across the World on @bbc is great TV but it also throws up fantastic stories of teamwork and togetherness. In the current series the beautiful friendship between @kush.burman and @josephdiop_ (two brilliant 19-year-old scousers who are making us proud in Liverpool) has brought me to tears..…1/3

This weekend’s running reflection (brought you by my recurring calf injury and Winston Churchill!): “democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried”. I’m not surprised but nonetheless horrified by the electoral success of extremist views….1/3