Tony Randall Talks To........

Mental Health Services for society's most vulnerable are in some cases not safe and failing people's care needs at a time when the service should be adequately funded by Government, instead it all points to more cuts. The Prime Minister said back in June 2007 " We will not cut spending on the NHS – we will increase it.” As someone who's support and care has been affected by these cuts I've noticed big squeezes on resources in my community mental health centre and staff are over-stretched. It's time for MPs on all sides to have a look and really see just how much more needs to be done to help. The number of cases of people needing counselling are rising as is the rate of suicide, we need a solution that addresses this crisis and now. I asked some MPs if they are concerned that the state of Mental Health services in their constituencies are failing people's needs and what can be done to put this right. Luciana Berger MP Is the Shadow Minister for Public H

In conversation with Glenda Jackson MP for Hampstead and Highgate. by Tony Randall  The Labour MP who left school at 16. Worked as a shop girl in boots, Joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and won two Oscars for " Women in love " and " A touch of class " talks openly to Tony Randall TR: What was your reason for giving up a successful career as an actress to become a full time MP? GJ: Well anything i could do legally to rid the country of Margaret Thatcher and her Government , I was prepared to do. TR: You was elected as MP for Hampstead and Highgate in 1992. What would you say to date is your proudest achievements? GJ :  All MPs need the dedicated, unpaid, pavement pounding work of their constituency party members and supporters, both during and between General Elections, so my election, indeed, elections, have much to do with team-work. But in 5 successive elections, the electorate in my constituency saw fit to place their trust in

In conversation with Canon Jane Hedges by Tony Randall Canon Jane Hedges became Canon Steward at Westminster Abbey in January 2006 a role which involves overseeing the welcome of over one and a quarter million visitors each year to the Abbey. She is also Archdeacon of Westminster and has recently been appointed Sub-Dean.  One in four of us will at some point be affected by a mental health illness which means what ever faith or religion you are its likely you will come across a family member, friend or a work colleague who will experience this illness. But there is still unease and stigma that surrounds those who suffer from mental health in our society, so what about the church? are they welcoming and offer support and understanding or does that unease prevent them reaching out to those in need? Canon Jane speaks frankly about the churches role, whether spiritual care is more beneficial than medication and the role our MPs can play in the needs of those who suffe

Tony Randall speaks to the MD of Ann Summers My destination was head office of Ann Summers and an appointment with someone who has evolved from a feisty teenager and worked her way to the top in the business world helping create and transform the family business into a retail experience which is leading the way in a competitive market making women feel sexy about themselves and giving them what they want  "Orgasms ". In the first of a two part interview Vanessa Gold talks about life growing up as a teenager, the relationship with her family over the years plus working for the multi-million pound Ann Summers empire. TR :  Since leaving school and working your way up to MD of Ann Summers what have you discovered about yourself? VG :  I loved being at school and have very fond memories being there, and I remember being a very average pupil. At the time I was at school my parents had split up and I was a very feisty person indeed. The complete opposite to my

Tony Randall speaks to the MD of Ann Summers In the second part of the interview Vanessa talks about why as a family they try and give back something to society. The special connection the Gold family have with " The Children's Trust " What made her take up horse riding plus why would Vanessa rather pull her finger nails out with tweezers? And the late Margaret Thatcher would have been a perfect party guest. TR :  It does seem a family trait to try and help others out and succeed in business and life in general ? VG :  A few years ago i was asked to do some mentoring and it was something i really enjoyed doing and giving advice to people who wanted to start their own business. And your right i think it is a trait within our family, both DG and myself will every few months give a talk to young entrepreneurs which is part of the Peter Jones academy. I'm also an ambassador for " mumpreneur " a group set up for women who have gone on maternity l

In conversation with Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson by Tony Randall /31st March 2012 I start by saying it is with out no doubt Tanni is a remarkable lady and a true inspiration to one and all. Having competed in five Paralympic Games and winning a total of 11 Gold Medals there is no doubt Tanni is one of our most loved and acclaimed sports persons of her generation. In 2010 she was made a cross-bench peer in the House of Lords where she has been engaging in debates around disability issues such as health and suicide along with sport and has shown her passion and dedication in the Lords just as she did on the sports track. Tanni took time out to speak to me about her childhood, being an Paralympic athlete, Welfare reforms and discrimination.  TR: If we can go right back to your youth and growing up as a child with spina bifida, at what point did you think this is not going to hold me back and started to get involved in sport? TGT: My parents were always incredibly su