Kathryn LifeLearner

Govt minister Matthew Pennycook yesterday : "I have never once suggested we'd abolish leasehold outright" Govt minister Matthew Pennycook on the 27th Jan 2026: "This package as a whole, as I have said, will end the leasehold system in its entirety and in a single Parliament"

@orwellvalley Poor communication between flat management companies and leaseholders is a serious problem. Communication breaks down entirely in the end because they treat us as ‘punters’ instead as customers.

I went to bed. That outburst of emotion was a huge relief and draining at the same time. He said that people that balance the books have little concept of the real consequences. I now have agoraphobia as I go out so little. Busy bars will find me tearing up. So yes. I get it. Walking round with a mask of normality when internally you're falling to bits is a heavy burden. x

Today, by pure chance, I met a housing association representative in the car park. No emails. No scripted replies. No “we understand your concerns.” Just a person. I showed him photos - not of defects or spreadsheets - but of how I’m actually living. What prolonged stress does. What it looks like when your home stops feeling like your own. The toll of over 5 years spent in fight or flight, trying to navigate a system that takes a considerable mental and physical toll. And I broke down. Not planned. Not performative. Just what happens when someone finally sees it. What it feels like to live under the weight of the legal system - camping out in what’s supposed to be your own home. Mortgage paid off years ago, but still struggling to keep up with service charges and a Section 20 major works bill. To his credit, he didn’t deflect. He didn’t hide behind process. For the first time in all of this, someone on that side acknowledged the lived reality... not just the liability. He replied honestly. Nothing’s fixed. The numbers haven’t changed. The pressure is still there. But being seen - even briefly - matters more than the system realises. Because behind every “case”, every “leaseholder”, every screen, every line item… there’s a person trying to hold it together in a place they once called home.

We are only just uncovering the tip of the iceberg in terms of what harm non-medically trained healthcare workers have been inflicting on UK patients This is a ‘clinical endoscopist’ acting way outside any acceptable scope of practice 8mg midazolam & 175mcg of fentanyl FFS

@charlotteukcity These groups are amazing. We went to a music afternoon at one that was part a folk festival. It was so touching and heartwarming and above everythign else, so welcoming

@charlotteukcity I didn’t know about Men in Sheds. Thanks for posting Charlotte x

@tlander93 Yes, I had a musical Christmas carousel that they fixed many years back. They were absolutely delightful then too 🩷

@charlotteukcity There's a lot of these popping up, ones that include or are for women too. A lot will repair things for you too.

@DeanBruton Oh Dean, thank you so much for your comment. There is nothing better than a review of something straight from someone who has experienced it first hand. I’m so glad you have this positive group. I hope others join and reap the benefits too, or at least support those that do xx

@charlotteukcity Well said. I go to Redditch Community Shed and the guys (and ladies) there are really friendly and many of them I now consider friends.

@charlotteukcity There are over 280 current or planned Men’s Sheds in Scotland: scottishmsa.org.uk/find-a-shed/. One of them is cited in the Scottish Social Isolation Strategy: gov.scot/publications/c…. They’re great gathering places where men can work together on shared practical projects.

@charlotteukcity A good place to donate every kind of tool and equipment. I took all my dad's stuff after he died. They were very grateful and what they couldn't use, they'd pass to another 'shed'. Got a tour and a cup of tea! Love them

@charlotteukcity Men’s Sheds in Australia too. Excellent communities who look out for our elder men and create beautiful wood work.

@charlotteukcity Totally, he has mobility issues and some dementia is now showing, so getting him out the house, into a routine is so vital. They have an amazing talent pool of knowledge as well. Quite an eclectic mix. Local businessman gives them his barn/workshop twice a week free of charge.

@andyblackmore Andy!! I could cry! This is such a sweet reply. Many at Men In Sheds are widowers & some carers for partners who have dementia. Having some time to talk, laugh, even cry sometimes with others who care is vital. They make such wonderful things too, as your pic demonstrates 🥹🩷

@charlotteukcity Here in Canada as well, My FiL joined one here in BC after my MiL died and it gave him a new lease of life. Do lots for the community as well as making and repairing. We bought this awesome bench. Very professional I believe it started in Australia

1/2 Local to my mum’s house, there is a ‘Men In Sheds’. This is a group of senior men who support each other, share & learn new skills. Well one of the men made a beautiful standing bird table, it took him ages to perfect. He put it outside for sale & my mum walked past &

2/2 bought it. He was thrilled. She repeated how special it was & you could see it meant so much to them. Social groups like this are imperative as loneliness has a devastating impact. Please drop in & support your local Men In Sheds, they are wonderful, & fix things too!🧓🏻👨🏻‍🦳 🔨

@DobyRaider @illnevercallitx @txgermanbre but racism is defined as prejudice or discrimination based on race or *ethnicity*. So it does also include religion and culture for example. The terms overlap.