Friday 21 July 2017

July Newsletter

Dear Friends,

The Loonies Fest is seven weeks away; lots of prep work in the way. We are still recruiting helping hands and minds that can ease the unfolding of the event; do get in touch if you wish to get involved.

The call for submissions for artists and stall holders has now been extended to 5pm on 15 August. More details can be found here bit.ly/2uf9AUr also attached if you wish to print it out.

Before sharing news and updates for this month, we wish to congratulate Sarah Yiannoullou, Managing Director of the National Survivor User Network (NSUN), for her recent honorary degree awarded by the Middlesex University, wishing Sarah all the best for a further successful career.

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Stuart Low Trust Annual Celebration 

Friday 21 July, 6.30-9.00pm, St Mary's Neighbourhood Centre, Upper Street, Islington N1 2TX

The Annual Celebration and Outstanding Volunteer Awards, hosted for the final time by retiring Chair of Trustees Virginia Low, takes place this Friday. The evening will feature a performance by magician and psychological entertainer Gareth Foreman.

Refreshments will be served from 6.30pm. AGM 7.15-7.30pm; performance by Gareth Foreman 7.30-8.30pm.

Details here www.slt.org.uk/event/stuart-low-trust-annual-celebration/

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Talk for Health Special - Express Yourself

Voice workshop Thu 27 July 2017 18-20 PM
St Luke's Community Centre 90 Central Street London EC1V 8AJ

Do you want to feel more confident and expressive in your communication? Do you want to more more dynamic in getting your message across? If yes, join Cat and Helen for this engaging, free workshop.

Drawing on techniques from the Fedenkrais Method and Linklater Voice Work, they will help you focus on body awareness, movement, breathing, and how it relates to your voice. They guide you to explore the habitual patterns of tension in the body that can limit your expression and hope to offer you an insight into how to free your body and your voice.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a willingness to unwind in a warm & supportive environment! This workshop is open to all so please feel free to bring a friend (or two). Do please just make sure you register so that we can make sure there are enough refreshments for everyone. ​Free registration here​

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​Kingsley Hall: An Island? Exploring Archival Accounts of Life at the Hall -
Mon 31 July 18:00-19:30PM

UCL SELCS Common Room, Foster Court (ground floor, G24), Malet Place Malet Place London WC1E

Dr. Adrian Chapman (Florida State University) Kingsley Hall was radical therapeutic community established by R. D. Laing in 1965 (and that ran until 1970) in the East End of London. Here I turn to archival accounts of life at the Hall by residents and visitors. These accounts are from a book (never published) about Kingsley Hall and other communities established by the Laing network in the 70s. In his introduction to the book (the most stable title of which was Asylum: To Dwell in Strangeness), Laing engages in a debate with his former collaborator, David Cooper, who had spoken derisively of the Hall and other communities as “happy islands”, isolated zones of pseudo-freedom. Following a consideration of the aims, scope, history and marketability of the book project, I take the island metaphor as my starting point for exploring archival materials. This route allows me to trace significant connections and dissonances among several contributors to Asylum: To Dwell in Strangeness, and offers rich possibilities for interrogating the nature of the Hall and the radical psychiatry associated with R. D. Laing. In particular, I want to examine debates around the politics of the Kingsley Hall project; the relation of the Hall to its surrounding area in the East End; as well as the relation of Laing and his project to mainstream psychiatry, and to 1960s counterculture.

Book seat here www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kingsley-hall-an-island-exploring-archival-accounts-of-life-at-the-hall-tickets-36362870324

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In the News:

The mental health first aid programme is a pet project – if the NHS services were properly funded in the first place, it wouldn't be needed.
Article by Jay Watts www.independent.co.uk/voices/mental-health-first-aid-theresa-may-depression-anxiety-nhs-underfunded-services-turned-away-a7842571.html

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Thrive London engagement events


Thrive LDN is a citywide movement for mental health, supported by the Mayor of London and the London Health Board. Thrive will host a community conversation aimed at encouraging people to work together to improve health and happiness in the borough. At this community conversation people will hear about the aims of Thrive LDN and then discuss how we can all work together to make them happen in the borough. The organisers hope to see broad representation across the borough including from the council, NHS providers and commissioners, businesses, local people, service users and carers, voluntary and community sector, faith groups, schools and social landlords. The events are in the boroughs of Barking & Dagenham and Tower Hamlets.

Tower Hamlets Tues 25 July 6-8pm PDC - book here

Barking & Dagenham Weds 26th July 3:30-6pm - book here

Consultation: the London Mayor's vision for a Diverse and Inclusive city

Have your say on the Mayor's vision for Diversity and Inclusion online consultation is now open till 11 September 2017

The Mayor wants to hear from individuals and organisations that can help him and the GLA group make London a more inclusive city.
www.london.gov.uk/get-involved/have-your-say/all-consultations/consultation-mayors-vision-diverse-and-inclusive-city

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PIP ROLL OUT BEHIND SCHEDULE


The roll out of PIP is running far behind schedule, the DWP have confirmed. All existing DLA claimants should have been ‘invited’ to claim PIP by April of this year. But a poster on the Rightsnet forum has confirmed that this target is now history. Instead the aim is now that all working age DLA claimants will have received their invitation letters by late 2018, with the final assessments and transfers not being completed until mid-2019. However, we reported last month that there had been a huge fall in the number of DLA to PIP cases being sent to Atos and Capita since January of this year. So, whether the DWP will stick to this new target remains to be seen.

UC ROLL OUT MASSIVELY BEHIND SCHEDULE

Instead, the total number of people in receipt of UC is just 540,000 according to the latest DWP figures. The UC roll out is more than 90% behind schedule and is not now expected to be completed until 2022. Though even that target seems massively optimistic, given that the vast majority of claimants so far have been the simplest claims, and there is no indication that the DWP’s software systems will cope with a huge increase in complex cases. Citizens Advice published a report earlier this month asking the government to pause the roll out of UC because of the major problems it is causing even the most straightforward claimants, including 57% having to borrow money while waiting for their first payment. The DWP, however, have dismissed the concerns of Citizens Advice and confirmed that the roll out of full service UC will increase from 5 areas a month to 50 areas a month from October.

Source: Benefits and Work

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NOTICE OF HEALTHWATCH TOWER HAMLETS AGM


Please note that the formal Healthwatch Tower Hamlets AGM will be conducte prior to the Your Voice Counts event at 11:00 am 9 August at The Hub, Victoria Park next to the Park Café, Rothbury Rd, London E9 5HD. You are invited to attend.
Email: info@healthwatchtowerhamlets.co.uk
Web: www.healthwatchtowerhamlets.co.uk
Tweet us: @HWTowerhamlets

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NSUN AGM
to take place this September
This year, the AGM will take place in Sheffield on 27 September. Put this date in your calendars!
We're looking forwards to seeing you there.
NSUN MANIFESTO can be read here

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​Launch of Revised Understanding Psychosis Document​
Friday 13 October 2017 11am- 4pm
BPS London Office, 30 Tabernacle Street, London, EC2A 4UE
Find info here: shop.bps.org.uk/cpd-workshops/launch-of-revised-understanding-psychosis-document.html

Thursday 20 July 2017

CALL OUT FOR ARTISTS



LOONIES FEST 

CREATING HEALING LUNACY





VISUAL ART EXHIBITION:

‘SURVIVORS STORIES’
From 5th to 19th September 2017

To mark the 10th anniversary of our collective F.E.E.L. (Friends of East End Loonies), are hosting the LOONIES FEST, a major diverse event to celebrate the joint work and achievements of the past decade.

We would like to invite Artists to submit their works for the group exhibition ‘SURVIVORS STORIES’.

The call is open strictly to Artists with lived psychosis/psychiatric hospital experience, as we will be celebrating past and present Survivors, patients, ex-patients, service users (whatever way people prefer to be called like). The show will run between 5th to 19th September 2017.

On Saturday 9th of September the exhibition will be accessible from 10am to 10pm.
During the day there will be a variety of entertaining and engaging activities, a market space (12-3pm), poetry, music, performances (4-10pm), workshops, and a panel discussion on the theme of the benefits & importance of the Arts as Healing Mediums. Particular emphasis of the day revolves around Healing.

Remarkable pro-active Artists in the Survivor's movements like Frank Bangay, Dolly Sen, Michelle Baharier, and many more are our guests among poet David Kessel, which founded F.E.E.L. in 2007 with Myra Garret.  

MARKET STALLS: open to mental health groups (small, independent, non-for-profit organisations) wishing to share their info during the Loonies Fest.

Market space runs 12-3pm on Saturday 9th September. Please submit your ideas!

SUBMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS FOR ‘SURVIVORS STORIES’ EXHIBITION:

Artworks should be in the medium of drawing, painting, photos, text based works, book arts and textiles. Size of 2Dimensional works should not exceed 120cm x 120cm. All 2D artworks (excluding textiles) should be submitted framed with a wire and D-rings attached at back of frame or canvas. Each artist will exhibit only one artwork. If selected, the artwork needs to be delivered to Kingsley Hall Community Centre, Powis Rd, London E3 3HJ on Monday 4th Sept. and to be collected on Tuesday 19th Sept. 
Send us 2-3 jpg images, low resolution, of the work you wish to present specifying: Title, Medium, Size, Hanging Requirements.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS OF ARTISTS AND STALL HOLDERS:​
15th August 2017 by 5pm

PLEASE SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: nat.kingsleyhall@gmail.com
FURTHER INQUIRIES TO: f.e.e.l.campaign@gmail.com

LOONIES FEST web page bit.ly/2sh1Bbk
Facebook event page bit.ly/2vgCeEC
We look forward to receiving your ideas and celebrating the festival together!

Friday 14 July 2017

FEEL monthly meeting Monday 17 July 6:30 pm @ LARC

Dear Friends,

Last week we've had a very productive initial brainstorming for the forthcoming Loonies Fest on 9 September bit.ly/2sh1Bbk

We plan to continue the conversation at our next meeting, Monday 17 July 6:30 pm @ LARC, 62 Fielgate Street, Whitechapel E1 1ES. Do join us, please.

Please find a list of important info/events below and have a great weekend.

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​Liberty Festival 1.30-6.30pm Saturday 15 July 2017​ Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Come and have a go at a range of activities and sports including wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, boccia and even New Age Kurling. Taking place from 1.30-6.30pm, there will be an incredible line up of Deaf and disability arts. With street theatre, circus acts, live music, art, dance, food stalls and more!

Tickets for the World Para Athletics Championships London 2017, taking place in the London Stadium at the park from 14-23 July are in sale.

www.queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk/whats-on/events/2017/07/liberty-festival-2017

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2017 DPAC Week of Action #SummerOfDiscontent#NotOneMoreDay#CutsKill

Friday 14th July – As the World Para Athletics kick off in London sponsored by Atos, join us at Queens Elizabeth Olympics Park for our own opening ceremony (meet Stratford station tube at 6pm, to walk towards site)

Sunday 16th July – Carnival Against Cuts @ the Fair Funding for All Schools Carnival. Education cuts are taking learning support away from Disabled pupils, undermining the right to inclusive education. Assemble Victoria Embankment at midday; Rally at Parliament Square 30pm Family fun, picnics, art, songs, kids’ entertainment and speakers.

Tuesday 18th July – National Day of Action (for local DPAC groups and supporters to organise own actions on local issues)

Wednesday 19th July – Lobby of Parliament for Independent Living: Assemble outside House of Commons entrance from 11am

Thursday 20th July – Turn Up and Go protest to deliver a petition demanding our right to ride on public transport. Assemble outside the Department for Transport at 2pm, Great Minster House ,33 Horseferry Road, London W1P 4DR. Please sign and share the petition: www.change.org/p/department-for-transport-disabled-people-demand-guards-on-trains

Friday 21st July – Anti-Atos protest: Final day of action, DPAC will be returning to Atos HQ

Assemble 12.30 pm outside their offices at 4, Triton Square, Regent’s Place, London, NW1 3HG Bring rugs, food and noise and let’s party.

​For a full list of events go to: dpac.uk.net/2017/07/2017-dpac-week-action-summerofdiscontent-notonemoreday-cutskill/

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​Petition to demand guards on trains


One thing that has become very apparent since the onset of Driver-Only Operated (DOO) trains has been the deplorable lack of freedom to travel. In addition Southern Rail has announced that it is withdrawing turn-up-and-go assistance from 33 stations across its network. Disabled and vulnerable people have been put at risk by the lack of support on the train.

Sign and share the petiton www.change.org/p/department-for-transport-disabled-people-demand-guards-on-trains

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Survivors History Group ​Wed 26 July, 1-5 pm.

This will be the last meeting at Together, 12 Old Street, as Together are moving.

Rose Gardens: Alternative dreams and realities - A discussion based on Searching for a Rose Garden: challenging psychiatry, fostering Mad Studies - a collection of articles edited by Jasna Russo and Angela Sweeney. The first part of the meeting to discuss "alternatives to something" and the second "what is Mad Studies"? Plus selective history from Asylum magazine and MORE. Angela, and possibly Jasna, will be in attendance to respond. ​

Click for next London meeting - Everyone welcome

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Maternity Mates Open Day


Wednesday 26th July 11am - 1pm The Brady Centre (Side Hall) 192-196 Hanbury Street, E1 5HU

Are you interested in gaining skills and accredited training as a volunteer to support pregnant women in Newham, Tower Hamlets or Waltham Forest?

-Would you like to share your skills and experience as a mother to help other mothers during pregnancy and birth?

-Are you looking for additional, practical experience that could help support your application to study midwifery, or supplement your training?

-Whether you’re a mum who wants to help other mums, or are looking to enhance your healthcare skills, Maternity Mates is for you. Come along to the Open Day to meet the team and find out more about Maternity Mates. Please contact rima.begum@whfs.org.uk for more information. www.whfs.org.uk/index.php/get-involved/volunteering/volunteer-maternity-mates

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Loneliness and disability


We are all more likely to experience loneliness at certain times in our lives, such as retirement, bereavement or after becoming a parent. Disabled people experience the same life transitions as everyone else, but in addition to this, having a disability means they are more likely to be chronically lonely than non-disabled people.

A new report, Someone cares if I’m not there explores why loneliness affects so many people with disabilities, from the perspective of disabled people themselves. Read the report here: www.shapingourlives.org.uk/archives/loneliness-and-disability?utm_source=Website+Signup&utm_campaign=81830e1390-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_07_13&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0c03ae24aa-81830e1390-89653397

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SHAPE ARTS: ​​Applications are now open for the flagship art award, the 2018 Adam Reynolds Memorial Bursary, a £10,000 award and accompanying 3 month residency with Pallant House Gallery for disabled artists! Now in its 10th year, the ARMB is a huge opportunity for any mid-career disabled artist looking to develop their practice and build their profile in the arts & cultural sector. Applications deadline: 1 August 2017 For more information, and to apply for the 2018 Adam Reynolds Memorial Bursary, visit www.shapearts.org.uk/apply-armb-2018​​

Monday 3 July 2017

Loonies Fest planning meeting

Dear Friends,

Please join us to help shaping the forthcoming Loonies Fest, happening next September the 9th.

We are gathering at Kingsley Hall, Powis Rd, E3 3HJ for a relaxed brainstorming session tomorrow, Tuesday the 4th of July between 4-6pm.

Keep the evening free as some of us will stay on site for Estbeat, the free monthly poetry+music event, which starts at 7:30pm; maybe someone wants to perform a poem or two?

If unable to come to this planning session please join us at the monthly FEEL meeting at LARC on Monday 17th July and 21st August.

All queries and suggestions can be sent to nat.kingsleyhall@gmail.com

More info here bit.ly/2sh1Bbk

Thank you!