LIFE…… BBC Pics of Scotland…..From ‘Freedom From Torture’….
by Bernie Bell - 08:06 on 30 August 2025
LIFE……..
A friend of a friend passed from this life recently, and Carolyn posted one of her poems, which I feel to be just right…
Today
I am thinking
about ghosts.
How many
souls I know
on the other
side of the veil
have carte blanche
to haunt me all
they would like...
I am thinking
about fairies.
& those orbs
of light in pictures-
I am sure there is a
a logical explanation...
but I don't want to know-
because those orbs are
definitely fairies.
I am thinking
about goblins-
how half a lifetime ago,
someone gave me magic
mushrooms at a music festival-
& when I went to pee
in the woods, I heard
musical giggles all around.
When I told
my friend Billy TwoRivers,
he smiled big & said
"yeah, goblins like
to do that"
I am thinking about the
proveable magic all around;
How the purr & softness of
a cat is magic; How dog love &
birdsong & oak trees &
rivers are magic;
I stopped counting, whelmed
by the beauty of this natural
world, how all of her inhabitants-
undeniable & concrete-
haunt me in the nicest way.
4/6/22
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BBC Pics of Scotland…..
22nd – 29th August 2025….
A wonder-full selection of images….
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c98l27ge6q9o
James Wylie was very taken with the Puffins of the Brough of Birsay, Orkney….. but there’s more to Birsay than Puffins!.....
https://theorkneynews.scot/2018/03/09/didnt-we-have-a-loverly-time-the-day-we-went-to-birsay/
Clare Chapman caught the beauty of Tresness, Sanday, Orkney……but there’s more to Tresness than a beautiful beach. (The link to the video is in the comments)……
https://theorkneynews.scot/2021/11/12/talking-about-tresness/
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From ‘Freedom From Torture’….
“We really value your support, especially in these challenging times, when unrest and antagonism by far-right protesters and influencers threatens the safety and privacy of charity leaders. Like many charities in our sector, we have had to put extra security measures in place for our clients, trustees and staff as a result.
Please rest assured, we will not yield to these hostilities, and we won’t stop our work to support survivors of torture.
In a recent interview Kolbassia Haoussou our Director of Survivor Leadership and Influencing, said:
“Most people in the UK are caring, and they want an asylum system that is fair, effective and humane. Indeed, when people fled Ukraine, communities across the UK opened their doors with extraordinary compassion. That same humanity must extend to anyone escaping war and persecution.”
Citizenship Ban Debate
In June, 3000 of you asked your MP to attend the parliamentary debate about the citizenship ban – all in 24 hours!
The policy effectively bans refugees from ever becoming citizens and as a result many MP’s, including Brian Leishman (MP for Alloa and Grangemouth) spoke up in opposition. He shared Gulan’s statement – expressing how the ban makes her and other survivors feel like “second class members of the community”.
This demonstrates the importance of reaching out to MP’s – driving positive for for torture survivors and refugees.
MP Brian Leishman in Parliament
Launch of New Global Torture Index
The first ever global tool to assess the risks of torture worldwide, has been launched by the World Organisation Against Torture.
Standing with survivors
40 years ago a group of passionate individuals had a long term vision to stand up for torture survivors. Torture is still practiced in many places around the world but we won’t stop until torture ends.
In Memory of Matthew
Matthew Young was a dedicated support of Freedom from Torture and we are truly grateful for his support. Sadly, Matthew passed away unexpectedly two days before his 60th birthday, whilst cycling with his friends. Read Matthew’s story and find out how to give in memory of a loved one.
The Roommate
As we see scenes of survivors being traumatised by protests outside hotels across the UK, Tanya shares her experience of asylum accommodation in a moving poem.
Keir’s 1-in-1-out deal
“To escape torture and persecution – to save my life – I had to make the painful decision to leave my country forever. I’ve now lived in the UK for over 20 years. I will always be grateful for the welcome I received and the chance to rebuild my life in safety. But I fear that people facing the same horrors I once did may not be so lucky.”
- Nadine, torture survivor & Survivor Activism Manager, explains why the UK-France deal won’t stop people from seeking safety.
Regardless of hostilities, political debates or news reports, we will keep fighting for the rights of survivors and campaigning for a world free from torture. If you’ve enjoyed this email, please consider leaving a gift in support of our work.
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