February 2020 has been a productive yet slightly quiet month. I’ve mostly been at home continuously working on blog content and freelance work. Meanwhile I’ve had to begin my search for carers again and had a routine trip to hospital:
Disability Horizons
My DH news content has been flying by storm at the moment. I managed to publish a record breaking 10 articles this month, with many featuring some well-known stars including Paralympic swimmer Liz Johnson, TV presenter Ade Adepitan and actress Liz Carr. All of these can be found in my news roundup below.
In addition, I also published two interviews this month; Burns survivor and activist Katie Piper & Para-dance GB Team Strictly Wheels, which you can read in my blog roundup below.
All my Disability Horizons content is now available to view in one place on the Emma Purcell Author’s page. This link can also be accessed on the “Disability Horizons” button on the menu page on the left of this site.
My featured content, product articles and sponsored posts for Disability Horizons can be viewed in my Journo Portfolio.
To read my latest news stories, interviews and featured articles on a regular basis, as well as browse other content from the rest of the amazing DH team, subscribe to the Disability Horizons newsletter.
Naidex 2020
Naidex is just over 2 weeks away. Remember, I will be returning with the rest of the Disability Horizons team on 17th & 18th March 2020 at the NEC Arena in Birmingham. Please come meet me and the rest of the team at stand N114. REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE TICKET TO NAIDEX 2020.
Freelance Journalist
As I mentioned last summer, I’ve decided to try becoming a freelance journalist. The end of 2019 became tremendously busy with DH projects. Therefore I had to put my freelance journalism plans on hold.
Luckily this month I managed to make a start on researching how to secure freelance writing jobs.
So far, I’ve signed up to the Journalism.co.uk Freelance Directory, which costs £60 a year. Here I have a profile sharing my personal details, experience and skills. I can also sign up to job alerts and get discount on courses.
I’ve also signed up to Freelancer.com, where I can bid on any kind of freelance job relating to my interests, experiences and skills.
Moreover, I’ve updated my profile on LinkedIn and Indeed.co.uk so it shows I’m seeking freelance work and updated my job alerts to freelance/work from home positions.
Despite all this, I’ve not actually got around to applying for any jobs yet. However, I do intend to as soon as I get free time from my DH work and blog content.
It appears I’m becoming quite popular for guest bloggers so my free time has been taken up by that at the moment, which I’m not complaining!
Health
In December 2019, I had an emergency procedure to have my suprapubic hole enlarged so I can fit size 16 catheters, following months of blockages by size 14s.
After 10 weeks of no further complications, this month I went back for a scheduled procedure to have botox injections inserted in the bladder to prevent bladder spasms and to have my catheter changed. I had the surgery done under general anaesthetic, meaning I was asleep throughout. When I woke, the consultant said it was success and I felt fine.
I did ask him about returning to hospital for my regular 8 week catheter changes but he didn’t seem to know. So instead I’m going for a GP appointment next week to discuss being referred to the community hospital for my future suprapubic catheter changes.
Care Search
This month I’ve also had to begin searching for a new live-in carer as the lady who has been working with me since August left this month for personal commitments.
Although I do have an introductory care agency supporting me in finding carers, I wanted to take some initiative and do some searching. I’ve shared my job advert on social media and also signed up to a website called carers4u. I found a couple of possible carers and have forwarded their information to the care agency.
If you, or someone you know, would be interested in being my self-employed live-in carer on a two week shift basis, please read the job description and email me your details.
TV
After almost 6 months, I finally finished watching the full box set of the school drama Waterloo Road.
SPOILER ALERT: I initially thought the series ended when Tom Clarkson died but in fact I must have stopped watching it at that stage because there were two more series. I definitely preferred the early series. I felt the last couple of series with Vaughan Fitzgerald as headteacher was a bit of a filler. I was also gutted they killed off Grantly Budgen too. Overall still a great series!
The best news this month is that the happiest show on television is finally back – Ant & Dec Saturday Night Takeaway. Despite it not being on for two years, the show is still bigger and better than ever; full of love, laughter and entertainment.
Audio Description petition
Just another reminder my audio description petition still needs more signatures. So far there is almost 190 signatures but I’m eager to reach thousands. The more signatures we get, the more likely changes could be made within the TV & films industries. Please, please, PLEASE continue to sign & share!
Guest bloggers wanted!
I’m pleased to say I’ve published one guest blogger this month, which you can read in my blog roundup below. Plus I’ve received several enquiries from other guest bloggers who will feature in the coming months.
I’m eager to collaborate with even more bloggers in 2020. So if you’re a lifestyle, disability and/or music blogger, send me your blog stories. Plus let me know if you’d like me to feature on your blog as a guest blogger.
I’m flexible with any type of blog posts; life story, disability awareness, music event, musician promotion – basically anything to do with life, disability or music!
Blog post roundup
In case you missed any of my blog posts this month, here is a roundup of them:
- Review: Billy Lockett at The Boileroom, Guildford
- My experience of love with a disability
- Guest Blog: Dyspraxia: daily life and travels
- Music Interview: BLEEDING RAVEN
5 Favourite Blog Posts
Here are my 5 favourite blog posts I’ve read this month:
- Finding friends when you move to a new area by Unseen Beauty
- Fostering with a Disability | Interview with Jon Powton by Life of an Ambitious Turtle
- I Am Number 17 | Rare Disease Campaign | AD by Simply Emma
- Top five songs that help me stay strong by Amanda Gene
- STRANGER THINGS STAR GATEN MATARAZZO TALKS CLEIDOCRANIAL DYSPLASIA by Invisibly Me
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