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Petra Boynton

@petraboynton.bsky.social
3.3K followers 3.6K following 5.2K posts

#Safety and #wellbeing advocate and creator of the #PEEPSS Model. Social Psychologist. #Methodologist. Sometime #AgonyAunt. Advice giving as praxis. Critical #MentalHealth. Lives by the sea. Come for a #ResearchTip, maybe ask a question, stay for cat pics

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Reposted by Petra Boynton
Patrick Ness @patricknessbooks.bsky.social · 16h
Well, this is a delight. www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
theguardian.com
Comedy wildlife photography award finalists 2026 – in pictures
A selection of the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards 2026 finalists – from a shortlist featuring a caiman wearing a wig, a leopard doing a handstand, a strutting white-tailed eagle and a polar bear appeari...
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Flora Cornish @floracornish.bsky.social · 5h
The book is so helpful. We bought it for our "PhD student bookshelf". I'll share a pic. Something I struggle with is balancing care for students and colleagues, other demands and limited capacity. I genuinely come to life by working with students but I can't give them as much attention as I'd like
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 9h
6 years ago I wrote a book on academic wellbeing, based on my 20 prior years experience campaigning for research safety. Join me at 3pm (BST) on 06.10.26 to talk about building communities of care and academic solidarity. Please share widely and tell me what you think I should emphasise in my talk
A flyer for the celebratory event marking 20 books in the Insider Guides to Success in Academia series with free talks on the 6 October. Links to sign up are included with the QR Code which can be accessed here
9am (BST) talk https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tWoCYjmQRginkqHnzMl2VQ#/registration
3pm (BST) talk https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tWoCYjmQRginkqHnzMl2VQ#/registration
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 9h
6 years ago I wrote a book on academic wellbeing, based on my 20 prior years experience campaigning for research safety. Join me at 3pm (BST) on 06.10.26 to talk about building communities of care and academic solidarity. Please share widely and tell me what you think I should emphasise in my talk
A flyer for the celebratory event marking 20 books in the Insider Guides to Success in Academia series with free talks on the 6 October. Links to sign up are included with the QR Code which can be accessed here
9am (BST) talk https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tWoCYjmQRginkqHnzMl2VQ#/registration
3pm (BST) talk https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tWoCYjmQRginkqHnzMl2VQ#/registration
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Kathleen Bachynski @bachynski.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
“It’s not just people coming in and getting a free book. People use libraries for meeting spaces, because they may not have a computer or internet at home, or they just need a place to go during the day that doesn’t cost money to be at. You can just be there and exist.” -Bradley Woodruff, Chicago
nytimes.com
Librarians Discuss the Challenges and Triumphs of Running a Library Today
We asked dozens of them about America’s libraries — what they provide, what they need to survive. Here’s what they told us.
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
I'm in the middle of a very important editing task but of course I have time for messing about with the the foaming drain cleaner I just remembered was in the bathroom
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Although many psychologists don't adhere to it, our ethical guidance is never to directly comment on or 'analyse' celebrities or other cases in the media. If you know them, it's breaching confidentiality, if you don't, it's gossip. That has always helped me to avoid hateful situations like this ⬇️
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Some weekend comfort. 'How to keep your star shining bright when others are missing your sparkle' lnkd.in/p/e2YUmJtg
lnkd.in
How to keep your star shining bright when others are missing your sparkle | Petra Boynton
Feeling like your talents and abilities are being missed or your good ideas aren't being adopted? Here are some practical suggestions to keep your confidence up, even if others are not noticing all y...
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
I dressed up for my viva defence....
I am sitting behind a table with half filled drinks glasses and beer bottles on it. I am wearing a black, knee length skirt and lilac shirt. My nails are also airbrushed purple and lilac. And my hair is mid length and light brown. I am also wearing a bright red nose.
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
You hear variations of this when teaching research skills. People saying (or being encouraged to believe) they don't need to know how to ideate, complete a literature review, understand methods, or do any kind of analysis or reporting. Or anything in between. Because AI can do all that, fast.
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Prof Bill McGuire @profbillmcguire.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
This says everything about the capitalist corporations that used to be British universities. Just obscene www.theguardian.com/education/20...
theguardian.com
Backlash as Indian oil heir made professor of sustainability by Newcastle University
Role for Anant Ambani, son of India’s richest person, who also runs a controversial mega-zoo, met with incredulity
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TW @twesq.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
this is fantastic and I learned something new
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Our headmaster played Pink Floyd's 'Another brick in the wall'. Then asked whoever agreed with it to stand up. Confident everyone would join me I leapt to my feet. I was alone. After the assembly he gave me a dressing down for my poor attitude which was apparently symptomatic of my wider failings
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Worried how the RNLI and it's amazing volunteers are being targeted? Take action with a one-off or monthly donation. Quick, easy, and much needed. Blocking and reporting misinformation also curtails those with nefarious aims who seek to monetise hate and spread division rnli.org/pages/ig/new...
rnli.org
Donate to the RNLI and help save lives at sea
Your donations really make a difference. We depend on your generosity to educate people to stay safe and prevent tragedies on and offshore. Donate here.
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Mental health contacts and referrals of children and young people in England, 2016–2021: An epidemiological study and comparison of young people who have received protective and care interventions and their peers acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
<em>Child and Adolescent Mental Health</em> | ACAMH Journal | Wiley Online Library
Background In England, 18% of children and young people (CYP) experience clinical levels of mental health difficulties. CYP who are involved in children's social care, either receiving in-home care ...
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Report: Young Futures: opening up opportunities for and supporting care-experienced children and young people. www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/news-centre/...
centreforyounglives.org.uk
Centre for Young Lives publishes new briefing, Young Futures: opening up opportunities for and supporting care-experienced children and young people | Centre for Young Lives | Press Release
Published: Today, the Centre for Young Lives is publishing a new briefing, Young Futures: opening up opportunities for and supporting care-experienced children and young people.
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
First UK study finds association between childhood bullying and later weapon carrying youthendowmentfund.org.uk/news/first-u...
youthendowmentfund.org.uk
First UK study finds association between childhood bullying and later weapon carrying   | Youth Endowment Fund
New research published today by the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) has found that there is an association between childhood bullying and later weapon carrying.
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Researcher Development @ Leeds @researcherdevleeds.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
❓Who deserves to be named as an author? Authorship is about more than names on papers, it’s about fairness, recognition, accountability & who we value in research. 🎧 Listen to Episode 172 of the #ResearchCultureUncovered podcast & cast your vote: buff.ly/2rimPuM
buff.ly
(Episode 172) Authorship Uncovered: Who Gets the Credit?
Quickly and easily listen to Research Culture Uncovered for free!
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
This is really bad news for University of Brighton with wider concerns about staff and student rights and closures (as we know Sussex University is also struggling). The county of Sussex deserves functioning HEIs for the local community and those from further afield. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
University of Brighton considers closing Falmer campus by 2030
The campus houses the university's library, sports and health complex, and two halls of residence.
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Eastbourne Reporter @eastbournereporter.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Bright pink and green plastic-topped tables are not the obvious choice of furniture for a wood-panelled former council committee room But Eastbourne Town Hall, an imposing Grade-II listed building built in the 1880s, is now the base for Tech Resort after most council services moved out
eastbournereporter.co.uk
Tech team tackle digital exclusion from town hall base
By Rebecca Maer Bright pink and green plastic-topped tables are not the obvious choice of furniture style for a wood-panelled former council committee room with a stone Victorian fireplace and decora...
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The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
What is peer research? At McPin it's key to our work - but can be complex & hard to define. So, whether you're new to peer research, or wanting to go deeper into what it is, why we use it & why it’s so valuable, today's blog is a great place to start! Check it out here 👉 mcpin.org/peer-research/
At McPin one of the ways we embed lived experience involvement in research is peer research - but what does it actually mean?
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
"Digital Secretary, Lisa Nandy, to raise online abuse of RNLI volunteers with social media firms" I'm glad to see this - and it applies to other charities too. Many organisations and their staff are targeted, often in co-ordinated ways. www.itv.com/news/meridia...
itv.com
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Craig @craig.nikolic.co.uk · 15/09/2026
Until NHS C-level execs are sacked for failing to effectively manage racism in the workplace, this will not improve. Many NHS Staff Survey results show intolerable levels of abuse, yet it’s not discussed at Board beyond minimum possible levels.
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
My local hospital was recently flagged as being a huge risk to Asian and minority ethnic NHS staff in all grades and roles, with managers particularly a target of bullying and racist abuse. Work should not be the thing that puts you in danger or causes/worsens your distress.
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
"Life is a shipwreck. But we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats" This reminder from the RNLI is on my fridge. Because even in the most difficult of times we can actively prioritise solidarity, joy, persistence and trust. What acts of courage and hope can you share? rnli.org/support-us/g...
On the left is a rectangular cream coloured fridge magnet with the phrase "Life is a shipwreck. But we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats" in red and blue lettering. A small sketch of a lifeboat and 'RNLI' is below the text.

Next to it, on the right hand side, is a drawing from the children's book 'The Mousehole Cat' by Antonia Barber. In the drawing the terrible storm cat is calmed by the purrs of a brave little fisherman's cat called Mowzer. Mowzer is black and white, lit by a ship's lantern as she purrs her song and the green and grey storm cat closes its eyes and holds Mowzer and her boat as the sea begins to calm.

I keep these two side-by-side as a reminder of the Penlee lifeboat disaster of 1981.
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
"Life is a shipwreck. But we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats" This reminder from the RNLI is on my fridge. Because even in the most difficult of times we can actively prioritise solidarity, joy, persistence and trust. What acts of courage and hope can you share? rnli.org/support-us/g...
On the left is a rectangular cream coloured fridge magnet with the phrase "Life is a shipwreck. But we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats" in red and blue lettering. A small sketch of a lifeboat and 'RNLI' is below the text.

Next to it, on the right hand side, is a drawing from the children's book 'The Mousehole Cat' by Antonia Barber. In the drawing the terrible storm cat is calmed by the purrs of a brave little fisherman's cat called Mowzer. Mowzer is black and white, lit by a ship's lantern as she purrs her song and the green and grey storm cat closes its eyes and holds Mowzer and her boat as the sea begins to calm.

I keep these two side-by-side as a reminder of the Penlee lifeboat disaster of 1981.
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Supporting each other through difficult and challenging times. In case anyone needs a bit of comfort or ideas for building and strengthening communities of care. theresearchcompanion.com/supporting-i...
theresearchcompanion.com
Supporting each other through difficult and challenging times - The Research Companion
Science, healthcare and education are threatened worldwide. Here are some starter ideas for ways to work together to share and save vital information. And to care for one another.
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
This glorious example of baffling survey questions is going to be front and centre in my next Questionnaire Clinic training session 😆 Let's stretch our brains this Friday - what's wrong with it?
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
This is all so upsetting on so many levels. And feels like a far bigger problem than is being acknowledged or addressed.
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Ernesto Priego @ernestopriego.com · 11/09/2026
And I mean, look at that image. It looks AI-generated to me. Is it? We don't know, because UKRI doesn't tell us. Whose idealised version of a research team is that?
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Christopher @cekent.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
The Norman Yoke Weighs Heavy? Yes: No:
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Tim Bale @timbale.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Thanks to everyone who's donated. Those of us lucky enough to have grown up and to live by the sea - and so see how rough and cold it gets in the autumn and winter - realise again and again just how brave these folk must be to go out and do what they do.
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
This glorious example of baffling survey questions is going to be front and centre in my next Questionnaire Clinic training session 😆 Let's stretch our brains this Friday - what's wrong with it?
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
This is absolutely awful - no charity staff should be afraid to volunteer www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
RNLI reviews security after protests in Dover and Portsmouth
Volunteers were targeted online after it assisted in the rescue of people crossing the Channel on Sunday.
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samuel mehr @mehr.nz · 09/09/2026
here are some really gorgeous results from the Nock lab on predicting suicide before it's attempted — essential data for suicide prevention
current.fas.harvard.edu
Harvard study predicts most suicide attempts a week in advance
Researcher Matthew Nock pioneered the technique of using smartphone technology to survey high-risk adults and adolescents in real time. In a new study, Nock and his team report using the technology to...
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Supporting survivors of domestic abuse www.runnymedetrust.org/blog/support...
runnymedetrust.org
Supporting survivors of domestic abuse
As demand for services for survivors of domestic abuse grows, creative forms of support show what recovery can look like – from culturally specific support to trauma-informed homes.
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Today would be a very good day to donate to the RNLI rnli.org/pages/ig/new...
rnli.org
One off donation form
One off donation form
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John Oxley @joxley.jmoxley.co.uk · 09/09/2026
Also, why is this basically written up as "quirky crowd make an embarrassing mistake" and not "violent racists form mob because Asian people use hotel"?
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
I'm sure I've seen either a decision tree or a diagram that helps people who're new to research and/or working in community settings decide if a potential project qualifies as 'research' or not. But I can't find it. Can anyone help please?
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
This is so desperately sad. Papyrus was an incredible organisation that I know was key to supporting many pupils, students and their families. I've lost count how many times I've recommended them through advice columns, books, or directly in pastoral care. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Papyrus suicide prevention charity in administration
The 3 Dads Walking, who raised £1.5m for Papyrus, say it is "very difficult to accept" its closure.
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Louis Redux @louisredux.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
It should be the final sign of how utterly fucked up UK politics is that the RNLI rescuing/helping people at sea, whoever they are, is met by hostility, accusations of being traitors, lies, and doxing etc. The fact that it isn't making some people pause, reflect, and pull back *IS* that sign.
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Today would be a very good day to donate to the RNLI rnli.org/pages/ig/new...
rnli.org
One off donation form
One off donation form
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
For a while now 'hope' has been a key to much wellbeing work in universities - particularly for staff in turbulent times. However, 'trust' is also emerging as key to connected communities of care. More so as divisions and hatred grow. Are these useful ideas, or are you focused elsewhere?
static.klipy.com
Stronger Together: Motivational Quote
Alt: A cartoon motivational quote where the words 'we are stronger together' in black, curly typeface merge on the screen.
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
I continually hear scholars discussing how many papers they've published annually, with this being part of wider metrics for funding and promotion. Understandably the message is reinforced for PGRs. But discussions about workload, quality, rigour, or whether the publication's even useful are absent.
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Josh Grubbs @joshuagrubbsphd.com · 28/08/2026
My students tell me that I have precisely two responses to any idea, proposal, project or work and that my most effusive praise and harshest criticism are in these two comments . So I built an automated, desktop PhD advisor feedback machine for them
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Sue Cowley @suecowley.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
There doesn't seem to be any notion from the DfE that they might need children and families to consent to being test subjects for this stuff, especially given the known harms. I find it alarming and I suspect young people might push back.
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Reducing a tragedy to a 'debatable idea' is awful in itself, but this piece is selective in its reporting and wrong on a number of points. It also doesn't fully follow advice on responsible media reporting storytelling.afsp.org/media-resour... (UK guidance here media.samaritans.org/documents/Me...)
storytelling.afsp.org
Ethical Reporting Guidelines for Media | AFSP
Join the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in pledging to cover suicide-related deaths through safe reporting practices to protect those who are most vulnerable, respect surviving fami...
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Alistair Coleman @alistaircoleman.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Just remembered the Dolly Parton bus.
The National Express 925 bus service between Woking Station and Heathrow Airport.
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
The replies and quotes to this are just lovely. I was a bookworm so have too many to pick from but I'd say my favourite was Astrid Lindgren's 'The Brothers Lionheart' which taught me death is not scary, evil can be resisted when communities stand together, and there is always hope.
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Petra Boynton @petraboynton.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
I know we couldn't have Dolly forever, but I'm still sad about her passing. What talented, kind and fiercely intelligent and ambitious woman she was. Her work around literacy, community, and care will never be forgotten. youtu.be/R_lJtG304Ug?...
youtu.be
Dolly Parton - Love Is Like A Butterfly (Dolly TV Series 1976)
YouTube video by Dolly Parton HD
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