June Newsletter: Special meeting on the MH Act review Mon 18 June 6:30-8:30 @ LARC

Dear Friends,

Following last month release of the interim report of the Mental Health Act review

​ (

​​

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-review-of-the-mental-health-act-interim-report

) ​

FEEL

​members have signed in support to the letter NSUN is sending to the leaders of the main political parties, to All Party Parliamentary Groups which cover disability issues, and to the chair and vice chairs of the Independent Review.

​

​For our monthly FEEL meeting we are going to talk about the MH Act review and have invited Dorothy Gould, the service user consultant for NSUN​, to discuss together possible and necessary actions that we can take. Psychiatry Survivors, Service Users and stakeholders at large seem to be underrepresented in this process of reviewing the Act and we better make the most, joining forces in this delicate time of changes.The meeting is taking place on Monday the 18th June 6:30-8:30pm at LARC, 62 Fieldgate Street, Whitechapel E1 1ES. Please do join us.

​

​We wish to thank those of you that

 have kindly responded to our General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) approval request. Extra thanks

​go ​

to the lovely messages, greetings and encouraging words sent along many

​of your ​

YES!

​ Bless you!!!​

One last reminder

​goes ​

to those that have not yet had the chance to respond

​: we'll now have to delete you from our mailing list, unless you express your willingness to stay with us.

Please check/take/circulate the important survey on antipsychotic withdrawal below and the many events taking place these days.

Maastricht World Survey On Antipsychotic Medication Withdrawal
The survey aims to improve mental health services by better understanding medication withdrawal. Lead researcher is Will Hall, a therapist, PhD student, and former patient who has himself taken antipsychotics. Service users/survivors/consumers from around the world also gave input. The study is sponsored by Maastricht University in the Netherlands; co-sponsors include the International Institute for Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal.
Any questions, please contact will.hall@maastrichtuniversity.nl, Ph: +1 (413) 210-2803
www.antipsychoticwithdrawalsurvey.com


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TURN UP THE VOLUME: WMHN LAUNCH
Friday 8th June 7pm, with performances starting at 7.30pm, Kennedy Hall in Cecil Sharp House in Camden.
This night is raising money for our Women’s Mental Health Network, which will work to improve the current mental health system and criminal justice system for women, including the community services these women use. The network’s aim is to tailor these services provided to be more gender-specific so that women within the system will be believed, respected and treated like human beings. Tickets are £13, which includes a welcome drink, and you can buy your tickets to the event from our venue’s website. You can also join our Facebook event to stay up-to-date with information about the night. There are also some free tickets available for those on low income or benefits, and if you feel this applies to you, please contact us at: womensmhnetwork@gmail.com
https://womensmentalhealthnetwork.com/turn-up-the-volume-wmhn-launch/


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Is there a place for ‘Spirit’ in Science and Medicine?
Public Seminar arranged jointly by the Medical and Scientific Sections of the School for Spiritual Science
Friday evening 8th – Saturday 9th June, University of Westminster The Pavilion 101,New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6XH
At a time when reductionist and mechanical views of the Human Being dominate our Society and Medicine and more holistic approaches are being attacked in the name of Science, this seminar gives the opportunity to hear the scientific and epistemological foundations of another paradigm.
https://elysiahealth.org/event/seminar-humans-as-autonomous-spiritual-beings/


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ANTIUNIVERSITY NOW 2018

SAT 9 - FRI 15 JUNE. Various locations in London programme.antiuniversity.org
Antiuniversity Now is a collaborative experiment to challenge institutionalised education, access to learning and the mechanism of knowledge creation and distribution.Initiated in 2015, Antiuniversity Now was set up to reignite the 1968 Antiuniversity of London with the intention to challenge academic and class hierarchy and the exclusivity of the £9K-a-year-degree by inviting people to organise and share learning events in public spaces all over the country. Antiuniversity Now events are organised by academics and autodidacts, experts and enthusiasts and are open to all regardless of experience, background, age or qualification.They are free, accessible and inclusive and are delivered using non-hierarchical, participatory and democratic pedagogy.

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RE:CREATE Psychiatry @ Arts in Mind

Sunday 10th June from 2pm to 4pm, Robin Murray Lecture Theatre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, Denmark Hill Campus, 16 De Crespigny Park, SE5 8AF

The dialogue to conclude the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) Arts in Mind Festival ( which runs from the 4th to the 10th of June) will feature contributions from: Rebecca Gordon-Nesbitt, parliamentary researcher and author of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health, and Wellbeing Report; David O’Flynn, Chair of the Adamson Collection and Consultant Psychiatrist in Rehabilitation and Challenging Behaviour, SLaM; Sally Marlow, radio broadcaster and addictions researcher, KCL; Stan Papoulias, Assistant Director of the Service User Research Enterprise, IoPPN; Peter MacRae and Hannah Ali from RCPsych’s Art Special Interest Group; Matthew Swann, CEO of the City of London Sinfonia; RE:CREATE Psychiatry Founding Members Lauren Gavaghan, Consultant Psychiatrist, and Susan Young, animation and mental health researcher, Royal College of Art; and Mao Fong Lim, medical student and the event’s Artist in Residence.

Free but booking is required https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/recreate-psychiatry-shrinkradio-tickets-44638855017

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CRAZYWISE: film screening & discussion

​, Organised by​

Mind in Camden 

Wed

​ ​

18 July

​. 

 Doors: 6.00pm

​.​

 Screening: 6.30pm

​.​

 Bar Interval: 8.00pm

​.​

 Discussion: 8.30pm

Kennedy Lecture Theatre UCL Institute of Child Health 30 Guildford Street WC1N 1EH London

The discussion chaired by Akiko Hart (Hearing Voices Project Manager, Mind in Camden) 

Panel to include: Jez Hughes (Shamanic healer & teacher)

​,​

Mohammed Abouelleil Rashed (Philosophy lecturer & researcher)

​,​

Satyin Taylor (NHS Spiritual Care / Chaplain)

​,​

Natalie Tobert (Medical Anthropologist & author)

TICKET PRICE: £12 waged, £7.00 unwaged (if you are unable to pay online, you can pay cash on the door, or otherwise please contact: John Wetherell 020 7241 8978 jwetherell@mindincamden.org.uk) 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/crazywise-film-screening-discussion-tickets-44635527063?aff=eac2

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Women Leaders in Global Health Conference
November 8–9, 2018

​ ​The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Women are vital to the advancement of global health, making up 75% of the healthcare workforce - yet occupying less than 25% of influential leadership positions. WLGH18 supports women in all forms of leadership from local communities to global organisations, from science to politics. Join us at the conference to be part of the conversation and to engage in mentoring and skills building opportunities.

​  ​https://www.wlghconference.org/2018/

​

​

May Newsletter

Dear Friends,

 

This week the Interim report of the Mental Health Act has been released assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/The_independent_Mental_Health_Act_review__interim_report_01_05_2018.pdf

The foreword announces that "Everybody has “mental health”, but far too many of us have mental health problems." Is this a wake up call for society at large?

 

 It is disgraceful that Time to Change OR Heads Together are even mentioned in these papers.Heads Together might be a newish, trendy charity, since the Royals have their faces in it, but what do these individuals know or understand about the the brutal detainment procedures that common folks experience, often repetitively?Also scary that the report calls the Police partners,​as a priority role in the care and assistance for people in vulnerable and distressed states. How does the police help there? With more scary​ force and violence​?

 

Following last month very productive meeting organised by NSUN, a letter and press release are in preparation in response to the interim. Anyone willing to send comments to be included in the letter, please do so writing togould.dorothy@gmail.com in these next few days (to be received by Tue 8th May 5pm the latest.

We take this opportunity to wish the very best to NSUN for their fight in keeping their services running, since this is becoming harder  and harder, with many groups actually being shut down over the past years bit.ly/2FJUIS3

We'd like to invite you to donate to their cause to keep the organisation going via www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/nsunsurvive10

 

Tomorrow Sat 5th May there will be the official launching of the Power Writers Exhibition at the Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives, 277 Bancroft Road, London E1 4DQ, noon till 4pm. The event will see the celebration of the SPiRiT of Philip Morgan and anniversary, and will also be the occasion to remember Dina Ibrahim and Patricia Chambers

www.studymore.org.uk/spirit.htm

 

Another very sad loss is the passing of fellow Survivor Grahame Feasey, aka Razz the Poet. A tribute to Razz can be found here bit.ly/2JHpuO2, where details of the funeral will be shared when announced.

Our monthly FEEL meeting is happening on Mon 21 May at LARC from 6:30 pm. Do join us. Please find a list of further info and events.

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European Outsider Art Conference 2018, by Outside In

Fri 4 - Sun 6 May,  Pallant House Gallery, 9 North Pallant, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1TJThis year’s conference focuses on ‘the Artist’s Voice,’ celebrating the work of excluded and non-traditional artists and sharing best practice in the field through a series of presentations, key note speeches, and workshops delivered by artists and practitioners. The keynote speech to open the conference on the Friday evening will be given by multi-disciplinary artist Bobby Baker, who created the touring exhibition Diary Drawings: Mental Illness and Me 1997 – 2008. Presenters at the conference include the Living Museum (the Netherlands), Out By Art (Sweden), Venture Arts (UK), Joy of Sound (UK) and Look Kloser (UK). Panelists will include Garvald Artists (Scotland), Headway East London (UK), Arts Project Australia (Australia), Blue Circus (Finland), Creahm/MadMusee (Belgium), and Creative Minds (UK). Read more about the conference here www.outsidein.org.uk/eoa_conference_2018

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Mental Health Act review Speaker’s Corner Protest, by SOAP

Sun 6 May 2-5pm speak out then move to park for picnic after (weather permitting), Speaker’s Corner, Marble Arch corner of Hyde Park. In conjunction with the APA (American Psychiatric Association) protest in New York City on the same day.​Seven years ago in 2011 SOAP (Speak Out Against Psychiatry) held their first Speak Out in Belgrave Square followed by a picnic in Hyde Park. We want to repeat this event to celebrate our 7 years of fighting an inhumane psychiatric system. We would welcome anyone who wants to stand on our SOAP box at Speakers Corner and tell the world what has happened to them or to their loved ones in the psychiatric system. 

Or you can just come to listen and lend support

email: speakoutagainstpsychiatry@gmail.com 

Twitter @soapgroup​  

Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/speakoutagainstpsychiatry

www.networkagainstpsychiatricassault.org/

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The Dragon Café "Spring into Summer" 

Mon 7 May, 12 noon to 6pm, earlier closing due to the bank holiday.

Open every Monday, but only on a Monday, usually from 12 midday to 8.30 pm.

The Mental Fight Club has just celebrated their 250th Cafe'. Congratulations! dragoncafe.co.uk

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Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival

7th to 27th May, various locations. Now in its 12th year, the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) is one of Scotland's most diverse cultural events, covering everything from music, film and visual art to theatre, dance, and literature. The annual festival takes place in venues across Scotland from 7-27 May 2018, aiming to support the arts and challenge preconceived ideas about mental health www.mhfestival.com/

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EmergingProud London ‘Reframing mental distress as a possible transformation process’

Sat 12 May, 10 am- 8pm, Kingsley Hall, Powis Road London E3 3HJThe Emerging Proud campaign is holding this event at the historic site where the eminent British Psychiatrist R.D Laing conducted the Kingsley Hall experiment. This pioneering project helped revolutionise mental health theory and practice. The Kingsley Hall experiment helped influence future mental health residential home projects that shared this vision of a more humanistic way of working with people in mental and emotional distress, for example, Soteria House and Diabasis. More info www.spiritualemergence.co.uk/announcing-emergingproud-london-2018

Tickets:  www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/emergingproud-london-tickets-44947674705

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London Night Walk​ through Suffragette City

Sat 23 June 11:45 pm throughout the night till the morning of Sun 24 June.Meeting point: corner of Queen Elizabeth Street and Tower Bridge Road Outside Sainsbury’s, ending outside House of Parliament at Boudicca’s sculpture. This walk is supported by NSUN, Hoarding UK and Colin and Strawberry Jazz. We are looking for volunteers to help and more supporters. If you think you or your organisation would like to know more please contact Michelle Baharier at mbfcsra@gmail.com

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BME MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE USER MANIFESTO LAUNCH

2 July, 2 pm Moudsley Hospital, Camberwell.Over the last 3 years, Kindred Minds has been consulting with hundreds of BME service users to write a manifesto highlighting changes to policy and practice that will improve our lives as BME mental health service users. The Manifesto,  "A Call for Social Justice", can be found in executive summary, powerpoint and full report version from the links at the bottom of this webpage: www.nsun.org.uk/News/bme-mental-health-service-users-launch-manifesto

A fundriser has been set to help the running costs of the event www.gofundme.com/racial-justice-in-mental-health/donate For further details contact Raza Griffiths on kindredmindslondon@gmail.com

R.I.P. Razz

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of fellow Survivor Grahame Feasey, aka Razz the Poet.

 

The long standing MC of the bi-monthly Survivors Poetry Nights at the Poetry Cafe' in Covent Garden and the Tottenham Chances, Razz was a very kind and gentle soul that will be sorely missed by many. How will he be replaced?

Razz funeral will take place on Thu 24 May, 1.15pm @ Islington & Camden Cemetery, 278 High Rd, N2 9AG. From cemetery gates there is 1/2h walk to crematorium, get there for 12.15ish. No flowers thank you any donations to Marie Curie Hospice Hampstead who are amazing. Wear nice bright colours lets celebrate his life and give him a good send off. Many thanks! See you all there. Please share with people that don't use social media. (message by Razz sister)

We were privileged to have Razz at our Loonies Fest at Kingsley Hall last year, presenting and performing alongside a variety of excellent Survivors and artists.

Here Razz playing live with fellows musicians at one of the popular Survivors Poetry nights at the Tottenham Chances www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvaV6s4HCUmYpFl1dUDs0Nq-TDqFK-1m0
Deepest condolences to all friends and family from all of us, the East End Loonies.

April Newsletter

Dear Friends,

We've had a good meeting last month, celebrating David Kessel's birthday and discussing the cracking of the system we are living in.

 
Many thanks to Sam Shakes (samshakes.wordpress.com ) for coming along and talking about the free Writers Group she is running at St Joseph's Hospice, open to anyone experiencing grief. One session is happening this afternoon 2-4pm and every fortnight in the Garden Room in Mare St, London E8 4SA, a.shalts@stjh.org.uk. 





We also wish to share a reminder of the weekly support group Nick Waller has now been running with the Lifehouse, now over 3 yrs old.
This drop in free service meets every Tuesday from 5.30-7.30pm at The Bromley by Bow Centre, St Leonard’s Street, London, E3 3BT. 
On arrival please phone Nick on 07926 886372.



Among other things we've discussed forced and damaging drugging (Daryl's PSSD awareness campaign Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction pssdblog.blogspot.co.uk is still active) and the FDAAA 2007 law that now seems to be enforced since Feb 2018 (only 11 yrs delay!) fdaaa.trialstracker.net  Let's remember that trails have a very short lived testing period, while severe damaging result often show up years later, if not right away. Who's paying the consequences of these?

It's no surprise that movements such as absoluteprohibition.org and many others organisations are arising. These might come predominantly from Survivor of psychiatry perspectives, as mental illness are still heavily stigmatised and issues silenced behind closed institutional doors. The real and never ending business in marketing around mental health is a complete JOKE! Here perhaps is where the cracking of the system (psychiatry) is very much needed and we should welcome it, not forgetting to wear a safety helmet!

Next, FEEL will be supporting the "Spirit of Philip Morgan" special event on Saturday 5 May, remembering our friend Philip that passed away one year ago. The event is taking place at the Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives, 277 Bancroft Road, London E1 4DQ between 12noon-4pm.

Do join us for the FEEL monthly meeting next Monday 16th April at LARC from 6:30pm and find more info/events to follow.

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Lets Take the PM to Court - Ministers Must Respect International Law 
We are the Gulf Center for Human Rights (www.gc4hr.org) and we are challenging the government’s decision to weaken the Ministerial Code by completely removing the requirement that ministers comply with international law. Since 2011, we have been documenting serious violations of human rights committed against human rights defenders across the Gulf region, detained, tortured or facing the death penalty. We know why government officials must respect and promote international law...Read more and support this cause www.crowdjustice.com/case/dontcrossoutthecode/

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Meeting to promote a rights based approach to the Mental Health Act, by NSUN & Inclusion London
Thu 12 April, 1.45pm - 4pm, 336, Brixton Road, London SW9 7AA - in the conference room.
A meeting to put together ideas for letters to the government and Professor Sir Simon Wessely and for a press release which advocate a human rights approach to current plans to reform the Mental Health Act. 
To join email gould.dorothy@gmail.com
www.nsun.org.uk/news/nsun-organises-meeting-to-promote-a-rights-based-approach-to-the-mental-health-act

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London Group of the Spiritual Crisis Network (Monthly meeting)
Friday 13th April. Arrive 7pm for 7.15pm start till 9:15pm (following dates: May 11th; June 8th; July 13th; August 10th)
London Buddhist Centre, 51 Roman Rd Bethnal Green London E2 0HUIf you're planning to attend you might contact londonSCN@gmx.co.uk; you can call 07930 415 506 if you come late and have difficulty accessing the building. Do not attempt to contact this number except on the evening of the meeting, as it won't be switched on. Wait at reception if you arrive early (before 7pm). Please try not to interrupt the end of yoga session in the basement.The national SCN website is spiritualcrisisnetwork.uk Please do take a look. The London group was set up in line with the ethos/aims expressed there.

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Deaf Day 2018   www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/deaf-day-2018
Saturday 14th April, 10am – 4pm, City Lit, 1-10 Keeley Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 4BAFor 22 years Deaf Day has attracted thousands of deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing people of every age from across the UK. People come to socialise, exchange information and celebrate deaf issues. Come and visit a range of exhibition stands with organisations and groups demonstrating products and services. FREE Admission. FREE entertainment, workshops and BSL interpreted taster courses throughout the day. Crèche available. ALL welcome! For more info please email deafday@citylit.ac.uk

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Five Ways to Wellbeing Festival - Cool Tan Arts
Saturday 14th April 11am-5pm, 155 Walworth Road, SE17 1RSThe Five Ways to Wellbeing are a nationally-recognised set of guidelines for anyone looking to improve their wellbeing. This Festival is an opportunity to find out more about them, and how you can pursue them in your everyday life and local community.See program and book activities here www.cooltanarts.org.uk/events/five-ways-wellbeing-festival/

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Speak Out Against Psychiatry meeting  (Held every two weeks in general)
Sat 14 April, 2.30-4.30pm, The Cock Tavern, 23 Phoenix Rd, NW1 1HB London.
If the upstairs room is not available meeting will move to the back of the downstairs room to the left of the front door or down the road to The Somers Town Coffee House, 60 Chalton Street, NW1
email: speakoutagainstpsychiatry@gmail.com 
Twitter @soapgroup​ 
FB www.facebook.com/groups/speakoutagainstpsychiatry; www.networkagainstpsychiatricassault.org ​  ​
@CherylPrax​
Please sign e-petition to send to UK Government - abolish Electroconvulsive Therapy - ECT – Electroshock www.change.org/p/hm-government-abolish-psychiatric-electroconvulsive-therapy-ect-electroshock-to-the-brain

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Book Launch: "An Ever River" by David Russell
Monday 16 April, 7:00 PM, Dragon Cafe, Crypt of St George the Martyr, , Borough High Street, , London SE1 1JA
Contact: enquiries@palewellpress.co.uk; Ph. 0771 332 7217
The exciting long-awaited launch of poetry pamphlet "An Ever River" by David Russell, Editor of Poetry Express Newsletter. David writes passionate surreal Eco-poetry to communicate his urgent concerns about all types of environment: natural, artificial, human, urban, mental and emotional. www.poetrylibrary.org.uk/events/readings/?id=13806

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Colouring Books that Cross the Line: 'I love psychiatry colouring book' by Dolly Sen
Dolly Sen describes herself as an artist who likes 'put psychiatry over my lap and slap its naughty bum'. She is a writer, film-maker, mental health consultant and trainer, with lived experience of psychosis, mood disorder and PTSD. Dolly's 'I love psychiatry colouring book' highlights all that is wrong with psychiatry, interspersed with some humorous pictures.Order your copy at amzn.eu/1GHSYAv
You can find out more about Dolly's work on her website dollysen.com
Source: disabilityarts.online/colouring-books-cross-line/
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Stop and Scrap Universal Credit – DAY OF ACTION
Wed 18 April 2018 –  London: Meet 11am outside the visitors’ entrance to House of Commons dpac.uk.net/2018/03/national-day-of-action-to-stopandscrap-universal-credit-march-1st/
Local action outside Kentish Town Jobcentre to be confirmed Sheffield: dpac.uk.net/2018/03/18-april-universal-credit-national-day-of-action-sheffield-demo/
We’re taking part in the UK day of action to ‘Stop and Scrap’ Universal Credit (UC) called by Disabled People Against Cuts and others. UC cuts benefit to disabled people, mothers and children, including disabled children, and increases sanctions. We will remember single mum of four Elaine Morrall who died after her UC was stopped for missing a Jobcentre interview while she was in hospital intensive care.

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Soul Relics Museum pop-up exhibition
April 16-  May 20th, 9 am - 5 pm on weekdays+ Health Stories Exhibition Reception Wed 16 May 5-7 pm for mental health awareness week (RSVP here: goo.gl/p2vVX5)King’s College London, SGDP centre, DeCrespigny Park, 111 Denmark Hill London SE5 8AQ
Crowdfunding page to support the project www.youcaring.com/soulrelicsmuseum More info soulrelicsmuseum.me/home

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fill yr gob first then speak for maximum effect, by gobscure
24 April, 19:30 pm, Camden People’s Theatre 58-60 Hampstead Road London NW1 2PY  Price: £12 / £10 with an austerity crutch (only one, apparently hard-working families demanded it) & coal from newcastle we’ll examine erasures of memories to discover poetic truths – remembering is more urgent than ever. this performance is inspired by one of our closest friends who was taught by her tyneside miner-dad before world war two: ‘never speak with yr mouth-half full. fill it first & then speak for greatest effect.’ luxury biscuits will get sprayed! trailer at www.dailymotion.com/video/x6gugbq there will be 4 work-in-progress presentations in the one night & all on the one ticket.

Part of: COMMON PEOPLE: A festival exploring working-class experiences 
Tue 17-Sat 28 April  www.cptheatre.co.uk/wp_theatre_season/common-people/

Also from gobscure:  "rouse yer cwm" print on demand publicationA scratch-torn-faded cut-ups culled from european public texts this past decade+ - a collective for the broken narrative alls living thru & widely distributed. & print on demand - yr paying for paper / printing / mailing £2.90
www.lulu.com/shop/gobscure/rouse-yer-cwm/paperback/product-23553526.html

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National ‘Oppose Driver Only Operation’ Rally
Wednesday 25th April, 11.30 am at Old Palace Yard, London, SW1P 3JY opposite the Palace of Westminster (in front of the George V statue). This important rally coincides with the 2nd anniversary of the start of RMT strike action against Driver Only Operation. Since then members in six companies have taken action in opposition to this privatised rail assault on jobs, safety, security and accessibility dpac.uk.net/2018/04/national-oppose-driver-only-operation-rally-wednesday-25th-april/

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The Mental Health Act: A Human Rights Perspective - presented by the National Hearing Voices NetworkFri, 27 April, 10am- 16:30pm, AGM will follow at 5pm @ Amnesty International 17-25 New Inn Yard London, EC2A 3EA
"In this one day event, we invite you to join us to explore the mental health act from a human rights perspective. We will be creating space for discussion, reflection and exploration of the impact the Mental Health Act has had on each of us (and those we care about), and the changes you would like to see happen in the forthcoming review."
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-mental-health-act-a-human-rights-perspective-registration-42935021806

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Spirit of Philip Morgan
Saturday 5 May, 1 - 4pm, Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives, 277 Bancroft Road, London E1 4DQ.Organised by the Friends of Philip Morgan, THACMHO (Tower Hamlets African and Caribbean Organisation), Philip's relatives and the Survivors History Group (SHG). Details and program studymore.org.uk/spirit.htm
During the month of May 2018, Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives will display the Power Writers Exhibition in memory of Philip and other African writers who had connections with Tower Hamlets area in the 18th century www.ideastore.co.uk/local-history. The SHG meeting on 5th May will be the official launch of the exhibition and will include an introduction to the Tower Hamlets Libraries and Archives African and Caribbean Community collection.For more details and the SHG future meetings, please visit studymore.org.uk/mpu.htm#NextMeeting

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Inspiring Change Festival
Sun 13 May - Sun 24 June, ten venues in Surrey and London. Inspiring Change features the work of eight performance companies plus a wonderfully diverse range of speakers, workshop leaders, poets and artists. Inspiring Change is a Festival of plays and wrap around events celebrating a positive and compassionate approach to mental health www.mindfitness.training/inspiring-change

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National Hoarding Conference - Improving Person-Centred Outcomes, by HoardingUK
Mon 14 May, 9 am-16:30pm, Emirates Stadium Hornsey Road London N7 7AJ
Nationwide event for people affected by hoarding behaviour and for supporting professional services. The theme this year is 'Partnership Working'. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/national-hoarding-conference-improving-person-centred-outcomes-tickets-41878500723?aff=erellivmlt

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APOD - Peer-supported Open Dialogue
If you attended the POD Conference this year or if you didn't make it and are interested in the slides that were used on the day, please find them on their website as well as the slides from previous conferences apopendialogue.org/pod-conference-2018/

March Newsletter - FEEL monthly meeting Monday 19th - David K's birthday

Dear Friends,

Almost one year ago, at our monthly FEEL meeting on Easter Monday, we were meant to celebrate David Kessel's 70th birthday. However back then David had a serious accident and we ended up visiting him in hospital instead.
Fast forward, David's health is currently reasonably improved and zest for campaigning is back, while we are slowly learning some important CRDP material. David's birthday is only a few days away (2nd April) and Easter is also in the air. Perhaps a good time to celebrate all the things above and more at our monthly meeting, next week at LARC on Mon 19th. 

 

Do join us as we'll definitely take the time to celebrate, and thank, our Fathers ( March 19 is also St Joseph's Day) - and Mothers ALWAYS!!! - and the many more surrogate "parents" that we encounter throughout Life, under the form of teachers, partners, brothers, friends, even children (the best teachers/parents when we age).

A beautiful tribute to David's work and review of "Ravaged Wonderful Earth", the collection put together by David Amery in collaboration with Outsider Poets and FEEL for David in 2013, can be found in the recently released Spring edition of the Asylum Magazine: "Outside or Inside: Two views on survivor culture", by William Park & Andrew Roberts.

Infinite thanks go to Andrew for his tirelessly and precious work in archiving David's work and bio (among so much more work, bless this man!), to be accessible to a broader audience in space and time studymore.org.uk/donkeyda.htm#BlackCoffee

Wishing you a very Happy St Patrick's Day, Spring Equinox, Easter break, New Moon cycle (starting today) and hopefully better days and times for us ALL...nevermind the snow falling down right now in London  :)

More news and info to follow:

 
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FIRTS Global Disability Summit 24 July 2018.
Deadline for DPO Participants: 23 March 2018
The UK Department for International Development (DFID), the Government of Kenya and the International Disability Alliance (IDA) will co-host the UK’s first Global Disability Summit in July 2018. The Global Disability Summit is an opportunity to build on the current momentum on disability inclusive development. It provides a platform to secure financial and political commitments by national governments, bilateral and multilateral donors, the private sector and civil society organisations.
The Summit will be held in London at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on 24 July 2018
www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/uksummit-dpos?utm_campaign=new_discussion&utm_medium=email&utm_source=thread_mailer

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BME mental health service users launch manifesto - A call for social justice
The Kindred Minds BME service user led manifesto text has recently been finalised. The Manifesto has concrete demands for change and builds upon two decades of studies on BME mental health, considering the evident race-based mental health inequalities. The process of writing the manifesto has been led by mental health service users and involved consulting with over 200 service users from Black and Minority Ethnic communities in south London. The manifesto is available from a link on this page www.nsun.org.uk/news/bme-mental-health-service-users-launch-manifesto

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NEWS FROM NOWHERE CLUB - "Wounded Leaders: Why British Politics Is So Flawed", Speaker: Nick Duffell
Saturday 17th March,  The Epicentre, West Street E11 4LJ  Leyton/Leytonstone7.30pm Buffet (please bring something veggie if you can) 8.00pm Talk. Free entry, all welcome, just turn up.
Enquiries Ph: 0208 555 5248;
E:  roskane@btinternet.com

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Demo at the New Savoy conference (protest against IAPT therapies)
Wed 21st March, 8.15am onwards, Millennium Conference Centre, 4-18 Harrington Gardens, South Kensington, London, SW7 4LH
The demo is organised by the Alliance for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Contact info@allianceforcandp.org for more information dpac.uk.net/2018/02/protest-against-iapt-therapies
recoveryinthebin.org/2018/02/25/demo-at-new-savoy-conference-8-15am-wednesday-21st-march-2018/

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Disability Justice Workshop: Use the Law to Challenge Discrimination
Thu 22 March 2018 1:00 - 4:30 pm, 336 Brixton Road, London, SW9 7AA
At this interactive and practical training workshop you will learn how the law protects you from discrimination and how to challenge it using real life examples. Please note this workshop is only for disabled people and DDPOs. Book your free ticket here www.inclusionlondon.org.uk/training-and-support/powerup/view/use-law-challenge-discrimination/#booking-form

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Shape Open 2018: Collective Influence group exhibition
22nd March to 5th April, 2018 The Art Pavilion, Mile End Park, Clinton Rd, London, E3 4QY
Private View: 6.30 to 8.30pm, Thursday 22 March, open to the public.This event is fully wheelchair accessible, including toilets, and has Audio Description provision. The Private View will also have BSL provision. Please email exhibitions@shapearts.org.uk or call 020 7424 7330 with any event or access queries www.shapearts.org.uk/Event/shape-open-2018

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Melancholy and Raving Poetry nightMon 26th March,  8 - 10pm upstairs at The Ship pub, 68 Borough Road, London SE1 1DX.Abe Gibson, Paul Kutting, World Renowned Maggie Nicols to share the stage on the night. There is also a open mic section for anyone who would like to sing a song, recite a poem, do a bit of stand-up or maybe something else...
Contact Kym for info melancholyandraving@gmail.com

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Mad Poets Speak - Poetry Open Mic night (£2.68 to cover costs)
Sat 31 March 2018, 7pm - 8.30pm, Unit 5E, Common House, 15 Punderson's Gardens, London E2 9QG.
Open mic event and slots of 5 mins are available. If you want to read/ perform a couple of poems the organiser, Louisa, asks that you email her beforehand to book a slot - her email address is hermey@me.com. If you'd like to come, reading or not, you need to book a ticket on eventbrite  www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mad-poets-speak-poetry-open-mic-night-tickets-43525828926?aff=erelexpmlt

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MHRN/ SolidariTEA event: Film 'The Death of Stalin', followed by a discussion with radical psychologist Lynne Friedli, looking at abuse of power and psychiatry. Thurs 5th April, 7pm at The Field, 385 Queen's Road, New Cross, SE14 5HD. Light refreshments available, disabled accessible, free, open to all!
FB: facebook.com/MHResist/
website: www.mentalhealthresistance.org
email: hello@mentalhealthresistance.org




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National Hearing Voices Network Conference - Celebrating the launch of the National Maastricht Approach Centre Telford
Thur 19th April 9 am - 4:30 pm, Park Lane Centre, Woodside, Telford TF7 5QZ
In the presence of Professor Marius Romme co-founder with Dr Sandra Escher of the Maastricht Approach and the Hearing Voices Movement. HOW TO BOOK: Ticket price: £60.00 per person. (Concessions for Groups and Unwaged) Refreshments Free. Please provide your own lunch. PLEASE EMAIL: nmac@purplebamboo.co.uk to book and arrange payment.

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Whose Side Are We On? Social Work, Austerity, Racism and Resistance!The Social Work Action Network (SWAN) Annual Conference
20 - 21 April, Centre for Social Work, School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Gateway Building  Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1LW
The Social Work Action Network (SWAN) is a radical, campaigning organisation of social work and social care practitioners, students, service users, carers and academics, united by our concern that social work practice is being undermined by managerialism and marketisation, by the stigmatisation of service users and by welfare cuts and restrictions. While recognizing that social work is one of the mechanisms through which the State controls the behaviours of poor families, we believe nevertheless that social work is a valuable activity which can help people address the problems and difficulties in their lives. Many of these difficulties are rooted in the inequalities and oppressions of the modern world and good social work necessarily involves confronting the structural and public. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/swan-conference-2018-whose-side-are-we-on-social-work-austerity-racism-and-resistance-tickets-41281717729

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Bobby Baker's Great & Tiny War
September - November 2018 NEWCASTLE
Daily Life Ltd. are proud and excited to announce a major new artistic collaboration with our wonderful partners, Wunderbar. Commissioned by 14-18 NOW as part of its finale programme, Great & Tiny War will occupy a house in Newcastle from Autumn 2018. More info: www.1418now.org.uk/commissions/great-tiny-war/​