This is the second part of a two-part article called Life Imitates Art. The first part can be found here. For more information on the devastating legacy of Agent Orange in Viêt Nam, visit www.lenaldis.co.uk
The metamorphic transformations inflicted on their human victims by Ovid’s capricious gods have serious or even fatal consequences. When Jove’s wife [...]

The concept of metamorphosis has provided a rich vein of material for artists throughout history. Hundreds of artistic and literary works have benefited from characters gifted with shape altering abilities or who have been cursed to involuntarily change their form.
However, metamorphosis also plays a fundamental and critical role in the natural world.
Scientific works, dating back [...]

Up to 50,000 people a day die from poverty related causes with 22,000 of these fatalities being children under the age of five. The plight of the world’s most impoverished and vulnerable people have been further aggravated by the current global financial and food crises. According to the United Nation’s Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), [...]

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT) experience mental health problems in a similar manner to the rest of the population. It should be emphasized that being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender in no way constitutes a mental health issue in itself. Furthermore, although LGBT people are often referred to as if they make up [...]

Given the current state of financialisation of society, access to basic financial services can facilitate the effective management of one´s income as well as helping provide for the future. The can also be of assistance in helping people emerge from difficult economic circumstances as well as act as a safeguard against falling into poverty. For [...]

In the midst of the current recession, it is crucial we do not forget those amongst us who most need our support. One such group includes the victims of domestic violence. In this respect, the `16 days of Action´ campaign to highlight the horrific levels of domestic abuse of women deserves support from us all.
On [...]

The blood of Iraq boils black. Bubbling beneath the surface in a sandy womb, Iraq´s oil reserves resemble an iceberg. The `known´ and officially confirmed oil deposits amount to some 115 billion barrels. At over 10% of the world´s total reserves, this places Iraq third in global terms. However, an estimated further 350 billion barrels [...]

As we enter a winter of searing discontent, the prognosis is bleak. While the government continues to funnel truckloads of cash into the gaping maw of our banking sector, the rest of us have to prepare for a slash and burn raid on our public services, together with an increase in our taxes and corresponding [...]

The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted stigma and the associated discrimination as comprising the “single most important barrier”  facing people with mental health and behavioural issues. The World Psychiatry Association and World Association for Social Psychiatry have joined the WHO in identifying Stigma as a key public health challenge.
As the State Minister for Mental [...]

Drawn up by the European Commission in 1997, only a few years after the Cold War had concluded, Agenda 2000 outlined the EU´s intention to play an enhanced role in global affairs. This objective was to be achieved through ‘soft power’ and multilateral partnerships with other States and regions. However does the EU really rely [...]