
Adrian Phelan
Post 52
What a difference a year makes
I published the first post of this blog a year ago and put out 51 in the 52 weeks of the year. It was a year that felt a long time in the making and then at the end of it felt like it went by in a flash.
My 50th birthday (in week 52 of the blog calendar) was one of the most special times of my life. Nudged on by friends I arranged a couple of get togethers for English friends and I was overwhelmed by the turnouts and the amazing heartfelt gift everyone clubbed together for. We had a great couple of dos that could easily not have happened if the cocktail of low self-esteem and procrastination had had a slightly stronger potency 😊.
And then my extended Irish family gave me a great night out in Ashbourne, and a wonderful celebration in the family home the next day. This was after U2 had given me a private concert on Grafton Street on their own 50th birthday. 1976 was some year.
If you’re approaching a milestone birthday, I couldn’t recommend celebrating it more strongly. I think you’ll regret it if you don’t and it might be just the tonic if you’re having a challenging year.
The moral of the story is that if you’re umming and awing about doing something (like this) then do it. You will ride on the wave of gratitude for a long time. It will certainly carry me through until I’m 60.
The job bit – about me
This blog started with the tagline Fairytales of a jobseeker, and I am changing it back to that now. I’m doubling down on my efforts to find something.
A reminder that I am a communications and public engagement manager with significant campaign experience mainly in the NHS but across charity and central government as well. I have worked in complex multi-organisational structures alongside trusted community voices to influence behaviour change, particularly increasing engagement with health services among groups where there has been hesitancy.
I’m open to working in all sectors and both contracting and permanent roles. Here is my CV and LinkedIn profile. Take a look and drop me an email at adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk or call me on 07974669338.
On the slide
We took a trip to the Olympic Park on Sunday and went on the slide that is part of that big red sculpture thingy (Official name Arcelormittal Orbit). Suffice it to say it was fast. It claims to be the longest tunnel slide in the world as well. When I arrived, every fibre of my being said ‘Don’t do it’ but I donned my big boy pants and threw myself down it. You have to wear protective gear, so everyone looked like Petr Cech and now we know where he got his hat.
The boys enjoyed it too, so if you’re looking for something a bit different to do with your older kids, check it out.
Stratford, including Westfield is also cool to hang out in, especially in an Indian Summer. We’ll definitely go back.
Do Good Well – Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 59,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK. This October, get active to help change that.
Set yourself a challenge. Raise funds. Help change lives.
All copy borrowed from the website but from me, do support the campaign if you can.
Goodbye and thanks
As ever, thank you for taking the time to read this post. The blog now enters its second year and I’m very proud of that.
Thanks again to everyone who made my 50th birthday celebrations special, but remember most of all, do keep me in mind for any roles that come up in your networks.
See you next week.
Socially viable

Connect with me on Facebook and:
Instagram: @adrian_phelan1
Bluesky: @adrianphelan.bsky.social
X: @AdrianPhelan1
TikTok: @adrian.phelan
Threads: adrian_phelan1