Dr Tony Bates: Kindness is love dressed in plain clothing

Dr Tony Bates believes that being kind is the most effective way to help people who are experiencing mental and emotional pain

Tony Bates: "Kindness is the power that energises our therapeutic programmes, treatment regimens, and recovery models."

I was born on this day a long time ago. I mention this because I’m more aware than ever today that what I write comes from a lifetime of highs and lows. Anything of value I have to give, I’ve probably learned the hard way.

We each have our truth, acquired through our joys and sorrows, failures and successes, finding and losing love. We are indebted to others whose wisdom has given us handrails to guide us through tough times.