Soulful Sundays
Soulful Sundays Feat. She Adores
Don't miss Soulful Sundays on 29 March 2015 when the line up will include She Adores amongst the other good acts likes Deeleelah.
Soulful Sundays at
Ivory Arch
Elephant & Castle
80 Walworth Road
London, SE1 6SW
Doors open at 7:30pm, and the show starts at 8pm sharp and finishes at 11pm sharp.
Tickets on the Door: £10 Early bird tickets: £8, Guest List entry is less for Adorables, followers of She Adores. To be a guest of She Adores and get reduced entry email your names to She Adores by 28 March 2015. Soulful Sundays a feast for the ears.
Soulful Sundays at
Ivory Arch
Elephant & Castle
80 Walworth Road
London, SE1 6SW
Doors open at 7:30pm, and the show starts at 8pm sharp and finishes at 11pm sharp.
Tickets on the Door: £10 Early bird tickets: £8, Guest List entry is less for Adorables, followers of She Adores. To be a guest of She Adores and get reduced entry email your names to She Adores by 28 March 2015. Soulful Sundays a feast for the ears.
Self-Harm Is A Problem
It's time for help
Self-harm is no longer just a response to sexual abuse. Bullying, stress at school and social media are all contributory factors to its alarming growth. NHS figures suggest a 20 per cent rise in hospital admissions in England Wales and Northern Ireland among 10 to 19-years-old with self-harm injuries.
Acts of self-harm include: Cutting, scratching, breaking bones, biting, pulling out hair, hitting self, burning self and poisoning. Self-harm can also include less obvious ways of hurting yourself or putting yourself in danger, such as driving recklessly, binge drinking, taking too many drugs, and having unsafe sex.
Self-harm generally starts in early adolescence, a time when emotions are getting more intense and life is getting more stressful. As a parent or carer, you also need to get emotional support, while seeing to the needs of the teenager.
There are signs that a teenager may be self-harming usually a noticeable change in character and behaviour. They may become less active. Other signs include but are not limited to;
Talking about themselves in a negative way, wearing long sleeve clothes and other long garments to hide injury, a deterioration of social engagements and lack of interaction with friends. Frequent accidents and/ or unexplained wounds, scars and bruises, blood stains on clothing, towels or bedding and long periods spent in the bathroom and/or their bedrooms. The full article on self-harm can be found on my blog here
For more information and guidance:
Royal College of Psychiatry on self harm and The Young Mind - an essential guide for parents and those who self-harm, helpguide.org
Help is offered at
selfharm.co.uk a safe, pro-recovery website that supports young people who self-harm. It also offers training for parents, carers and professionals equipping them to handle disclosure and provide effective support.
Young Minds which also provides a parent support here and a helpline 0808 802 5544 (Mon-Fri 9.30-4pm)
Childline call 0800 1111
befriends worldwide
harmless.org.uk
and alternatives to self-harm which offer relief here.
Please note that this photograph is from the Science Photo Library
Acts of self-harm include: Cutting, scratching, breaking bones, biting, pulling out hair, hitting self, burning self and poisoning. Self-harm can also include less obvious ways of hurting yourself or putting yourself in danger, such as driving recklessly, binge drinking, taking too many drugs, and having unsafe sex.
Self-harm generally starts in early adolescence, a time when emotions are getting more intense and life is getting more stressful. As a parent or carer, you also need to get emotional support, while seeing to the needs of the teenager.
There are signs that a teenager may be self-harming usually a noticeable change in character and behaviour. They may become less active. Other signs include but are not limited to;
Talking about themselves in a negative way, wearing long sleeve clothes and other long garments to hide injury, a deterioration of social engagements and lack of interaction with friends. Frequent accidents and/ or unexplained wounds, scars and bruises, blood stains on clothing, towels or bedding and long periods spent in the bathroom and/or their bedrooms. The full article on self-harm can be found on my blog here
For more information and guidance:
Royal College of Psychiatry on self harm and The Young Mind - an essential guide for parents and those who self-harm, helpguide.org
Help is offered at
selfharm.co.uk a safe, pro-recovery website that supports young people who self-harm. It also offers training for parents, carers and professionals equipping them to handle disclosure and provide effective support.
Young Minds which also provides a parent support here and a helpline 0808 802 5544 (Mon-Fri 9.30-4pm)
Childline call 0800 1111
befriends worldwide
harmless.org.uk
and alternatives to self-harm which offer relief here.
Please note that this photograph is from the Science Photo Library
International Women's Day IWD
Sunday 8 March 2015 IWD Celebrate
The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights" Gloria Steinem
International Women's Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In some places like Bulgaria, China, Russia and Vietnam International Women's Day is a national holiday.
International Women's Day honours the work of the Suffragettes, celebrates women's success, and reminds of inequities still to be redressed. Celebrate our sisters' talents here in the UK at A Night Of Genre's brought to you by ShoSho Productions, from 7pm at City Of Westminster College. Tickets here
International Women's Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In some places like Bulgaria, China, Russia and Vietnam International Women's Day is a national holiday.
International Women's Day honours the work of the Suffragettes, celebrates women's success, and reminds of inequities still to be redressed. Celebrate our sisters' talents here in the UK at A Night Of Genre's brought to you by ShoSho Productions, from 7pm at City Of Westminster College. Tickets here
Brother Your Mental Health Matters
Dear Brother,
You are a valued member of our community and our lives. We all get it wrong sometimes, thank goodness, more proof we are human; as is the need to talk, share and be part of other peoples lives.
Talking is the key. Honest, open, frank discussion but I am afraid that the rules of society have failed to allow you to be, open, frank and honest about your feelings. Your right to cry. You do know that you have a right to cry. Please use that right.
You are a child of the universe and have a right to be here experiencing the full range of human emotions. Don't let anybody deny you that...any more.
With heart felt wishes,
Oracle xxx
ps if you need to talk urgently call -
NHS 111
Samaritans: 0845 790 9090
SANE: 0845 767 8000 (6pm-11pm, every day)
The links will take you to services that also offer help. Use them and
know that you are doing the right thing.
You are a valued member of our community and our lives. We all get it wrong sometimes, thank goodness, more proof we are human; as is the need to talk, share and be part of other peoples lives.
Talking is the key. Honest, open, frank discussion but I am afraid that the rules of society have failed to allow you to be, open, frank and honest about your feelings. Your right to cry. You do know that you have a right to cry. Please use that right.
You are a child of the universe and have a right to be here experiencing the full range of human emotions. Don't let anybody deny you that...any more.
With heart felt wishes,
Oracle xxx
ps if you need to talk urgently call -
NHS 111
Samaritans: 0845 790 9090
SANE: 0845 767 8000 (6pm-11pm, every day)
The links will take you to services that also offer help. Use them and
know that you are doing the right thing.
Are You Depressed?
Are you depressed?
Take this test it is safe and it will give you a good indication.If you don't have a GP this link will find one in your area
Not sure about what to expect? Here are some experiences of minority groups using the mental health services.
The African & Caribbean Counselling Department at Greenwich MIND offers 1-2-1 & group counselling services (free for residents of Greenwich).
tel: 020 8853 2395. Mind Greenwich
The video below is the story of Ex Marine Reggie. a veteran who had been honourably discharged but was 'tired of it all' so he doused himself in petrol, grabbed a lighter and set himself ablaze. His message is "Enjoy your life," but listen for yourself.
FGM Please Don't Look The Other Way
FGM is child abuse. It forces girls into a future of pain from the moment they are cut. There are four categories of FGM;
Type 1: The clitoris or clitoral hood is partially or fully removed (also known as clitoridectomy)
Type 2: As well as the clitoris, the labia minora are partially or fully removed. The labia majora may also be cut
Type 3: The clitoris, labia minora and labia majora are cut away, and the remaining skin is sewn or sealed together leaving a tiny hole for menstrual blood and urine. This is commonly known as infibulation Type 4: All other harmful procedures to the female genitals including pricking, piercing, rubbing, scraping and the use of herbs or other substances.
More information can be found here and on all the links below and view the video below on the world wide campaign against FGM.
FGM is child abuse. It forces girls into a life of pain. The contacts below can help those affected and those who might be affected. They also provide more information. Don't be afraid to act.
Type 1: The clitoris or clitoral hood is partially or fully removed (also known as clitoridectomy)
Type 2: As well as the clitoris, the labia minora are partially or fully removed. The labia majora may also be cut
Type 3: The clitoris, labia minora and labia majora are cut away, and the remaining skin is sewn or sealed together leaving a tiny hole for menstrual blood and urine. This is commonly known as infibulation Type 4: All other harmful procedures to the female genitals including pricking, piercing, rubbing, scraping and the use of herbs or other substances.
More information can be found here and on all the links below and view the video below on the world wide campaign against FGM.
FGM is child abuse. It forces girls into a life of pain. The contacts below can help those affected and those who might be affected. They also provide more information. Don't be afraid to act.
Senior Citizen Home Assessment Information
Living at home for as long as possible is something that every elderly person generally embraces. It's about independence, and a little help when needed, maybe for getting out of bed, taking medication or a more.
Support services may be able to provide that help. Support services come in a wide range and senior citizens might be legally entitled to that help at little or no cost depending on their income and expenses. The Adult Social Services dept of the local council are responsible for arranging an assessment of needs. Here is a link to help find a local authority. The assessment is free and all senior citizens are entitled to one assessment.
The assessment should reflect the needs and wishes of the senior citizen but consideration is given to the needs and wishes of a carer if one is already in place. Following the assessment, a care plan will be agreed and written out.It is usual that the at home service is charged for but the local council must work out how much is affordable for the senior citizen to pay, leaving a reasonable level of income. Where the senior citizen is assessed as needing community care services and there are not costs attached because of financial issues, the senior citizen may be able to purchase and arrange their own care.
For more information Age UK provide a freephone number 0800 169 6565. website ageuk
Support services may be able to provide that help. Support services come in a wide range and senior citizens might be legally entitled to that help at little or no cost depending on their income and expenses. The Adult Social Services dept of the local council are responsible for arranging an assessment of needs. Here is a link to help find a local authority. The assessment is free and all senior citizens are entitled to one assessment.
The assessment should reflect the needs and wishes of the senior citizen but consideration is given to the needs and wishes of a carer if one is already in place. Following the assessment, a care plan will be agreed and written out.It is usual that the at home service is charged for but the local council must work out how much is affordable for the senior citizen to pay, leaving a reasonable level of income. Where the senior citizen is assessed as needing community care services and there are not costs attached because of financial issues, the senior citizen may be able to purchase and arrange their own care.
For more information Age UK provide a freephone number 0800 169 6565. website ageuk
Domestic Abuse Has No Place In Our Community
East London Black Women Organisation: supports African and Caribbean women Tel 020 8534 7545 Email info@elbwo.org.uk
Southall Black Sisters: is a resource centre for Asian, African, Afro-Caribbean women Tel 0208 571 0800
The Rights of Women: is an advise line run by female solicitors Tel 020 7251 6577
Women's Aid: are a support organisation for all women with a 24 hour help line Tel 0808 2000 247
The Rape Crisis Centre
Rape Crisis England & Wales is a national charity and the umbrella body for a network of independent member Rape Crisis organisations.
The Rape Crisis Centre: Freephone Helpline 0809 802 9999. Lines are open 12-14:30 and 19-21:30
Rape Crisis England & Wales is a national charity and the umbrella body for a network of independent member Rape Crisis organisations.
The Rape Crisis Centre: Freephone Helpline 0809 802 9999. Lines are open 12-14:30 and 19-21:30
Staying Power Exhibition V&A
Staying Power : Photographs of Black British Experience 1950s-1990s is a project to increase the number of black British photographers and images of black Britain in the V&A collection. It aims to raise awareness of the contribution of black Britons to British culture and society, as well as to the art of photography.
Display: 16 February 2015 – 24 May 2015.
The Victoria and Albert Museum
Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
10.00 to 17.45 daily
10.00 to 22.00 Fridays
Closing commences 10 minutes before time stated
Display: 16 February 2015 – 24 May 2015.
The Victoria and Albert Museum
Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
10.00 to 17.45 daily
10.00 to 22.00 Fridays
Closing commences 10 minutes before time stated
Albinos Are In Need Of Our Help
We could never imagine sitting eating our dinner one minute and then being attacked and having a limb hacked off but that is what happened to Pendo Sengerema, aged 15. as she ate dinner at home with her family.
To donate, support or do more click on this link to the UIF. Be warned the images on the site are graphic.
To donate, support or do more click on this link to the UIF. Be warned the images on the site are graphic.
Jamaica Hidden History Exhibition
gallery@oxo, Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, South Bank, London, SE1 9PH
Dates: 6 March - 17 May Opening Times: 11.00am - 6.00pm
Admission: Free W: http://jamaicahiddenhistories.com/
Brixton Soup Kitchen
The Brixton Soup Kitchen is a haven in the busy self absorb city. It also offers services to help re-house people, assists with benefit applications and signposts Back To Work Training.
To continue doing the this necessary work the Soup Kitchen needs us. Follow the link to donate or get involved. The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” Oscar Wilde
Sibling Bullying
Bullying can happen to anyone at any age. Being bullied at school, home or online might involve someone pushing you, hitting you, teasing you, talking about you or calling you names. Nobody has the right to hurt you or make you feel bad. If you are being bullied you don't have to deal with it alone - talking to someone about it can often really help.
You can find help at Bullying UK or at childline
Down's Syndrome Teen Arrested, Fingerprinted, Imprisoned & Cautioned
Abdul, like every other youngster, has his favourite items. He left his favourite Chicago Bulls basketball cap at school and wanted to collect it from the classroom. So on Monday, it was Bank Holiday Monday, he went to school and did just that. He collected his cap by entering through a window at school which set off an alarm to which the police responded. And did they respond. They arrested 19 year old Abdul in handcuffs of course at 10am, though he clearly has Downs and a mental age of a 10-12 year old. The family say Abdul was also fingerprinted, swabbed for DNA and had his details put on record. Following a caution, he was released NINE hours later.
This seems so very wrong, a caution is a criminal record for which one ought to have intent. It would be reasonable to assume that 19 year old Abdul's Downs Syndrome condition may render criminal intent void in this case. If you think this is wrong, then please sign this petition to ask the police to withdraw the caution, apologise to Abdul and his family and to stop this from happening to other young people.
Rent Arrears and Notice Seeking Possession
Do not pay the rent arrears or any sum if there is a notice seeking possession of your home. In theory the council can take the money and still continue with the proceedings.
Seek help from a solicitor or an advice agency. The advice agencies listed below cover the borough of Wandsworth but they can direct and signpost inquiries for other boroughs.
The Citizen's Advice Bureau provides advice and support here
South West London Law Centre: 125 Bolingbroke Road, SW11 1DA Telephone 020 8767 2777
Nucleus: Telephone 020 7373 6262 to arrange an appointment with a housing advisor
Springfield Law Centre: Drop-in at Admissions Building, Springfield University Hospital, 61 Glenburnie Road, London SW17 7DJ. Telephone 020 8767 6884
Don't Die For Debt - Get Help
Debt is only money and not worth you taking your life over or spending hours of your life in depression, sadness and isolation. If you owe money get independent help fast, get help here There is nothing to be ashamed of.
No To Assisted Dying On Line Petition
Slavery And Reparations Who Made The Money?
The big money winners from slavery and the reparations paid by the British Government can be found on a database that took UCL three years to compile after inspecting 46,000 records. The database is available to the public here
We Must Demand A Proper Recall Mechanism For MP's
The current bill as outlined in the Queen's speech on 4 June 2014 does absolutely nothing to give power to recall MP's to the political masters, The Voter.
Rather, it gives the party whips and MP's more self governance and we know that does not work. You can make a difference by following the links below to sign the two online petitions.
Introduce A Proper Recall Mechanism For MP's here
Recall: Put The Power In The Voters Hands here
The current bill as outlined in the Queen's speech on 4 June 2014 does absolutely nothing to give power to recall MP's to the political masters, The Voter.
Rather, it gives the party whips and MP's more self governance and we know that does not work. You can make a difference by following the links below to sign the two online petitions.
Introduce A Proper Recall Mechanism For MP's here
Recall: Put The Power In The Voters Hands here