Shirley P. Cooper's Tribe And Gallery

Birmingham

2012-01-16T08:31:00.000-08:00

Birmingham is a scrawling place
With folks both black and brown
And yellow for that matter
Cos there's a China Town
And sometime ago I saw
Standing ... yes
A wigwam in Victoria Square
When I spoke to the one dressed the part
He said he was a Crow
Or Sioux or something similar
But there is one thing I know
He sounded like a Brummie
But maybe there was a link
Or maybe he looked flushed because
He had a drop to drink
Well the answer is plain to hear
When that silvery accent fall
Subtly upon your ear
And when you've been away for years
Or far across the foam
when you get back to hear it
It's just great to be back home

recited to me by David Cox December 2011

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-16T05:28:00.000-08:00

Well we're into the New Year at last. 2011 was happy, joyful, sorrowful, disastrous, enlightening, tearful, ecstatic etc etc. I spent more time on the internet even investing in a posh phone so I could access the internet everywhere I went. That got stolen just b4 Christmas and to date is sitting in a police station because I went to collect it and left after nearly an hour without the phone. I started 2011 with funerals. Lots of them. and did on average one a week sometimes 2 in one day. The generation that came to England in the 50's and 60's have died of exhaustion, discrimination, industrial diseases. As a community activist and teacher I know many people and sometimes it's difficult to say why I went to a specific funeral especially if I was supporting or had supported the deceased in one of my many roles through Child /Sex Abuse, domestic violence, disability issues, etc. True west Indian style we attend funerals of people we know or if someone we know is affected. we may not be invited to Christenings and weddings anymore but funerals have not become 'invitation only' event's. Starting the year with my cousin's Mildred Queely someone who I loved and respected as a mother, teacher, friend, then Ossie's where I had a panic attack, the first of the year. Friends, family, acquaintances I've been to most of theire final journeys. Sam Eldrige's was truly difficult. Having the same birthday and being so close for over 30 years I said my goodbyes a few days b4 he actually passed. I still expect to see his car/van parked outside my house when I get home. He used to come, knock once then go back to his vehicle. Whenever I managed to get to the door b4 he drove on he would say, 'just making sure you're still alive.' The year ended with Johnny Max's funeral on 9th December. He was uncle to my youngest brother. I didn't know him in those days because my brother died at 7 months with my mother in 1958. Max became a friend thorugh a previous partner. When I lost Natalie my first live birth after numerous losses, Max was there to comfort me. When I lost my friend, his girlfriend Mary the same year, we comforted each other. Max meant many things to many people. I could not find out the date of his funeral though I tried desperately hard. Yesterday I saw the Order of service for the first time.
I wasn't as active last year as in previous years. My health is deteriorating. I missed most of Arts Fest, Leeds Carnival, Rainbow Circle Camp, Gay Fest, Malcolm Marshall Cricket, Lord Mayors Show, IVC events and other events that I normally frequent. I tried to move house 3 times. I was involved in a horrific court case with previous staff of Birmingham Centre for Inclusive Living on accusations of Disability Discrimination and Racism. They won, only because I did not receive their letters which they'd purposely sent to BCIL office. The organisation had been closed since September 2010 yet their letters were sent in December 2010. Finally in October 2011 after months of distress and over 400 pages of lies, false accusations, abuse they dropped the case against me though tried to pursue against BCIL. I'm still waiting to hear the outcome of this.
Being Libran I try to balance my life. Shirley's Tribe is thriving growing stronger. Nearly everyone in Shirley's Tribe has been affected by Benefit Issues: home visits, cuts, withdrawal, embarassing and humiliating ATOS medicals, fraud charges, loss of home, debts, refusal of community funds, loss of heating, damp, abuse. We have had successes, people re/housed, new love relationships, success out of court after one member had 2 accidents, deaths (see above and previous blogs) told our stories about our stolen children, gone to numerous events including a very tense Birmingham Carnival, visited each other in hospital, found new clubs to go to, welcomed new members, petitioned against disability abuse, and finally at Christmas supported each other at Christmas Shelter (details in future blog) and New Year Opening. It was a memorable year. Similar but not as bad as 1972 which still goes down as my worse years . But maybe because I've experienced some of these things b4 and time is a great healer, I am better able to cope with these issues. Looking forward to a thriving, prosperous, healing new year and wishing you the same.

Open Christmas 2010

2011-12-23T08:13:00.000-08:00

I first heard about Open Christmas one day in St Martins Church so it couldn't have been more than 8 years ago. My understanding was that it was a soup kitchen 4 addicts, down and outs, homeless people. Then I met an organisers, learnt more about organisation that keeps people alive 4 about a week in December. I said i'd visit 1 day but as I also ran a scheme 4 lonely people I wasn't available. Then I heard and read that the project was in danger neighbours in Highgate objected 2 homeless in their back yard. I prayed 4 understanding, a place 4 following year. Our prayers were answered St Georges 6th form college in Newtown. Newtown: Guns, gangs. I talked a few people into going there, giving it a try. Imagine a large hall filled with homeless, disabled, lonely people with various hurts, pains mixing with volunteers who once travelled that road, had never been there, people with compassion, love, medical experience, counsellors, mentors. Caring people willing to give up their holidays 2 keep people alive. Give hope, warmth, shelter. Non- judgemental listeners. At Open Christmas u can have manicure, pedicure, shower, read play games watch tv, make friends, drink eat all day. I went on Christmas Eve 2 see if Shirley's Tribe had got there in cold snowy weather. Reception and security were kind helpful friendly. I got a name badge and shown into the hall. Some of the gang had already settled in, had spent the night, were loving it. Some arrived while I was there. I got a bag of cakes sandwiches,sweets and fruit and went looking for the rest of the gang who I knew would be around the Bull Ring. I collected 2 bags of gifts and 2 plants, prayed 4 strength and carried them into church. The plants I dedicated 2 lost loved ones. The gifts I gave 2 whoever wanted them. I felt like Mary Poppins. The bags were like bottomless pits. I knew some people were not going to bed hungry. I directed a few to the Open Christmas. I met D. Who had just moved into a flat the previous day and needed lots of stuff. No furniture in my bags but he got ornaments, the first pyrex dish 4 the microwave. I then went 2 a pub and directed some1 2 Open Christmas. Then totally exhausted I slipped and slid home. My feet refused to defrost. My last thoughts b4 I fell asleep were did I really carry about 8 bags and from whence cometh my strength? I woke up very late on Christmas Morning. I'd missed numerous calls and messages. I had not dreamt it. I still had some presents. I spent the next few hours giving directions 2 St Georges, sent prayers and good wishes, Yesterday I slipped and slid to Open Christmas. I waited ages for a bus and a very rude driver refused my bus pass and wanted full fare. I didn't argue but got off and took his photo. He apologised and said he was talking to some1 else. I got to Constitution Hill and had 2 ask directions. I'd passed the centre. Back 50 yards. As I reached the centre I dropped. Dizzy spell, tiredness, cold. I don't know if I hit my head. I was helped 2 my feet and escorted 2 reception where I was searched and led to seat. D was sitting there. Yes I did give him lots of stuff last night. He'd prophesied over me and i'd gone with him 2 a taxi and encouraged him 2 go 2 Open Christmas. He had epilepsy,they were looking after him. Somebody had broken a window the night b4. A lift son had taken his father home after hearing that the sick old man was at Open Christmas. I got a cup of tea and a sandwich. Sat with the tribe. Others had changed their minds and gone to Open Christmas. I got the cutters out and cut some sandwiches into stars, snowmen, angels, santa, angels. As no one seemed to know when the last buses were I spent some time with Elvis Presley who was feeling lonely this Christmas without her, set off home. I asked for a lift from some1 going near me but he was full. I found 15p at the bus stop. There isn't as much money on ground nowadays. I used 2 pick it up, put in church collection or senior coffee morning. The bus took long but 1 hour later I was home praying 4 all at Open Christmas.

2011-11-19T06:08:00.000-08:00

Mike Bongo kept pestering me about helping Lyrical Healer. She needed venues in Birmingham to launch her book. Finally I succumbed and got in touch with her. I suggested the places I know - which are numerous. As she was only coming for the night and I happen to be sitting in Bennetts at the time whilst reading my facebook messages I went and asked at the desk and booked Bennetts for the Friday Night. I then informed her that it was available and free. Then I contacted the million people I know to drop everything at a few days notice and come. Some of them managed it. We had a lovely night getting to know each other. I met Rachel and Chritof for the first time. Some of the guys from Occupy Birmingham turned up. Chico who was 'divorced' in less than a week at the only Occupy wedding that I knew of, his friend, Andrew and 2 others, Mike Bongo, Mikey the lyrical drummer poet and artist who wanted to be called Adrian, Fonzi. Susan got to the venue but couldn't find the Boardroom. It was a diverse group.we had fun. Chatted. Ate bananas. I got 22 for £1 and Mike only managed 9 but his were bigger. We agreed that Lyrical Healer (Winsome Duncan) would come back to Birmingham for a bigger better launch. After a brilliant performance from those who wanted to, with lots of photos and videos we went home please that we'd all met. After that it was a mad rush finding venues fro 25-27th. As it's the end of the month I suggested we piggybacked other events. I normally do karaoke/disco on the last Friday and Sunday Xpress which changes often happend to be on the 27th. I thought if we threw in some pubs and at least one church with a centre containing people who were hardest hit by the 'credit crunch' we'd get a good cross section of people and a seriously funny weekend. Whilst trying to find a venue for Saturday I came across the leaflet handed to me a few days b4, for 'Our Centre' in the Jewellery Quarter. I had already asked at the shop in Fletchers Walk but on Staurday they've got a spiritual event. Over 20 text messages and heaven knows how many emails with suggestions for advertising, links, groups, business information the itineray for the weekend read as follows:

"As Per Lyrical Healer's facebbook page with [my insertions]
The Healing Factory Publications presents… **Birmingham Book Launch Press Invite** Saturday 26th November 2011 BBC London 5 star rated Author arrives in Birmingham for her tour. ‘The Midlands has always been warm and inviting throughout my career. It is great to come back and help the community to save money’. Winsome ‘Lyrical Healer’ Duncan. Winsome will be sharing readings from her book, followed by a question and answer session. This will include a community money-saving workshop and book signing to close. Join Winsome on the Birmingham leg of her tour Friday 25th – 27th November 2011.
Main event is: Date: Saturday 26th November 2011.
Venue: Our Centre, Caroline Street, Nr. St. Paul's Square, Birmingham, B3 1UE. Time: 6pm. Media and press requirements: reviews – articles – interviews – television appearance - podcast – magazines – newspapers – radio.

Itinerary for weekend of 25th & 27th November 2011:
1.Friday 25th November: Special guest appearance by Lyrical Healer at Karaoke Disco Ladywood, [Health] and community centre, Saint Vincent Street West Ladywood Birmingham 1 till 5pm
2. Saturday 26th November Filming with 33TV.
3. Saturday 26th November - Bennetts Pub 1pm-4pm, 8 Bennetts Hill, City Centre Birmingham B2 5RS,
4. Sunday 27th Sunday Adam and Eve 3pm. For more information contact: creditcrunch@lyricalhealer.co.uk, 07944455010 or visit www.lyricalhealer.co.uk. This event is supported by: Christof Jennings - Lyrical Healer PA. Marcia Calame - Production Manager & co-ordinator. Our centre - www.ourcentre.org Sandwell Radio - http://www.radiosandwell.co.uk/ 33TV - http://www.youtube.com/user/forgetmenot1313

From Big Bren/1
Sunday Xpress is proud to present The Great Poetry Marathon at the Adam and Eve on Sunday 27th November with all the usual open mic madness from 3pm

see my facebook events for more details as well. Hope to see you over the weekend

Blowing The Whistle - Child Stealing By The State - Stoke On

2011-11-08T06:38:00.000-08:00

Blowing The Whistle - Child Stealing By The State - Stoke On

Shirley P. Cooper's Tribe And Gallery: Constitutional Convention - London | UK Column

2011-10-25T03:39:00.000-07:00

Shirley P. Cooper's Tribe And Gallery: Constitutional Convention - London | UK Column: www.no2abuse, www.whatdotheyknow.com, www.cpexposed.com, www.tpuc.org, www.cancerbush.org.uk, www.youtube.com/thetemplate.org, www.lincolnshireblog.com, www.acasefortreason.org.uk,

Constitutional Convention - London | UK Column

2011-10-25T03:37:00.000-07:00

Constitutional Convention - London | UK Column

The meeting was informative, interesting, eye-opening. I met lots of like-minded people and picked up lots of publications, printed materials, dvds etc. On Sunday I returned to Stoke-on-Trent for the Meeting on Child Stealing. All their were so many people telling their stories the Constitutional Meeting in London will include Child Stealing, what can we do about it?
Links www.no2abuse, www.whatdotheyknow.com, www.cpexposed.com, www.tpuc.org, www.cancerbush.org.uk, www.youtube.com/thetemplate.org, www.lincolnshireblog.com, www.acasefortreason.org.uk,
Google the following: former counciller Sheena williams, Evil paedophile politicians in the establishement, justice for Holly, David Icke, Fractional Reserve Bank, forced adoption in Britain,

2011-10-10T03:06:00.000-07:00

NSUN Bulletin Monday 10th October 2011
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FROM: * National Survivor User Network

TO: * Shirley Cooper

Message flagged
Monday, 10 October 2011, 9:09
Message Body

In this email:

* World Mental Health Day
* NSUN news
* Viewpoint needs Trustees
* Peer Run Crisis Services - United States
* CQC - Community mental health services survey 2011
* Recycled ICT
* Black History Month
* Department of Health news

World Mental Health Day
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World Mental Health Day was created by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to raise public awareness of mental health issues. It aims to get us all talking openly about mental illnesses and the treatment and preventions that are available to us all. This year the theme is "Investing in mental health". See below for more information and some of the events that are taking place to raise awareness.

World Health Organisation
Emergence: Fundraising concerts
Mental Health Foundation: Tea & Talk events
MDF The Bipolar Organisation: Where red!
Raising Awareness In Camden
Active Living: Wigan event
Open Minds album launch: Leicester
Cooltan Arts: Largactyl Shuffle Walk 15.11.11
Speakup CIC: Kent events
The Great Push Investing in Mental Health: Barnet art exhibitions
Hertfordshire: event
Time To Change: events
World Federation for Mental Health
National Awareness Days
Time and Date

What ever you're doing, where ever you are, we wish you the best possible Mental Health Day!
NSUN news
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Become an NSUN Trustee
To be elected as a Trustee, we need your application by the Monday 17th October. Please email for an application pack, or call 020 7820 8982 . Our AGM is 1st November 2011 and Trustees need to be present to be elected. For more information or to download an application form click here.

Members' annual survey
Your views are important to us, so please take the opportunity to share them with us. We want to know what you think about what NSUN does and what you want to see it do in the future.
Please access the survey here.
If you would like a paper copy sent through the post please email us.

NSUN poll
Please take a minute or so to vote in our latest poll. We are asking your views about the new commissioning structures. Just click here.

Service users' experiences of recovery under the 2008 Care Programme Approach
This study has been set up by the Mental Health Foundation, in partnership with NSUN. It will explore how effective service users find the Care Programme Approach in promoting recovery as they understand it. It is a London based study.
If you would like to find out more please click here.

British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) Human Rights in Healthcare
Since August 2010, BIHR has been working on a project to raise awareness of human rights among voluntary sector organisations involved in health and social care. NSUN is one of 24 organisations involved in the project, exploring ways of using human rights to promote better health and social care. BIHR is also setting up a wider Health and Human Rights network. Find out more about the project on the BIHR website and view the community website here.

The Hardest Hit march: Newcastle 22nd October
Disabled people in the North East, along with their families and friends, are taking to the streets in Newcastle to protest against Government cuts to disability benefits and services. Join them and help to make sure all voices are heard.
Read more here.
Viewpoint needs Trustees
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Viewpoint is a charity whose purpose is to use the views and expertise of people who use mental health and drug and alcohol services in Hertfordshire to bring about change for the better.
By becoming a Trustee, you will be helping to make a difference to people's lives and their experiences of the services that are set up to support them. You will be a pioneer in promoting user led services for the future.
To be elected as a Trustee, we need your application by the 1st November 5pm 2011. For an application pack, speak to Dennis Edwards CEO on 01707 383642 or email. Visit the website for more information.
The AGM is on the afternoon of the 25th Nov 2011 and Trustees need to be present to be elected.

Peer Run Crisis Services - United States
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The National Empowerment Centre (NEC) is a consumer/survivor/ex-patient run organisation.The NEC keeps updated lists of consumer-run organisations and advocacy groups in all 50 states.
There are many different types of peer-run alternatives to psychiatric hospitalization. Successful peer-run respites are currently operating across the United States. You can find out about the NEC and examples of peer-run alternatives here.

CQC - Community mental health services survey 2011
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Over 17,000 service users from 65 mental health trusts in England responded to the survey, a response rate of 33%. The survey comprises a sample of service users aged 16 and over who had been in contact with NHS mental health services in the three month period 1 July 2010 to 30 September 2010 and who were receiving specialist care or treatment for a mental health condition.
Read more here.

Recycled ICT
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Recycled ICT collects surplus or redundant ICT equipment you may have, and then
refurbish and re-use and/or re-install in another charity or school. Theycan accept: Smartboards, Projectors, Laptops, PC's (towers or Desktops P4 or above), TFT Flat Screen monitors, ( subject to equipment and quantity ) but can't accept: Printers, Cartridges. Copiers, Fax machines, Unworking PC's, CRT Monitors, Components
In some cases they will pay you for used items such as Smartboards, Projectors, Laptops & Desktop PC's providing they are in working order & depending on specification This can be done either as a cash payment or as a discount against future ICT purchases. Should you prefer the discount, this is valued at double the price given as a cash payment.
For more information email or telephone 01472 399880

Black History Month
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Black History Month (BHM) Afrikan History Month (AHM) is held every October in Britain, and February in USA and Canada.
The aims are to:

* Promote knowledge of the Black History , Cultural and Heritage
* Disseminate information on positive Black contributions to British Society
* Heighten the confidence and awareness of Black people to their cultural heritage.

View some of the events taking place around the country here.

Department of Health news
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Developing clinical commissioning groups: Towards Authorisation
On 30 September, the latest version of Developing clinical commissioning groups: towards authorisation, was published. It can be accessed here.
The document sets out thinking to date to help emerging clinical commissioning groups consider the steps towards authorisation. It describes the processes that may need to be in place to ensure that CCGs are highly effective, with the leadership and confidence to discharge their healthcare and financial responsibilities.

SHA cluster directors appointed
Following the appointments of chairs and chief executives, directors for the four Strategic Health Authority (SHA) clusters across England have been announced. Other senior appointments, including non-executive directors, will be made in due course. To see the appointments, go to the website.

Social Care bulletin, issue 18, September/October 2011
The latest edition of the Social Care bulletin is now available. David Behan, Director General of Social Care, discusses the launch of Caring for our future, a nationwide engagement exercise to identify priorities for improving care and support. If you use care and support services, you are encouraged to take part. Also, read about the Government's plan to tackle gang violence and find out about an innovation challenge where you could win a grant to help develop products and services for those living with dementia. For more information go to the website.

Prevention and early intervention
In his first video blog, Alex Fox, CEO of NAAPS talks about prevention and early intervention, the discussion area he will be leading as part of the social care engagement exercise. For more information visit the website.

Launch of Patient Decision Aids (PDAs)
The new online Patient Decision Aids (PDAs) were officially launched at the Right Care Shared Decision Making Programme event on Friday 30 September 2011. The tools will help patients learn more about their conditions and help inform them about options for treatments or tests in circumstances where the clinical evidence shows that there are a number of equally effective options.
The new online tools are accessible on the NHS Direct website and cover eight different preference-sensitive healthcare decisions: Osteoarthritis of the knee, Enlarged Prostate, Localised Prostate Cancer, Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) /Amniocentesis testing, Prostate Cancer Screening, Breast Cancer surgery choices, Osteoarthritis of the Hip, and Cataracts.
For more information go to the website.

Save our NHS Public

2011-10-04T05:51:00.000-07:00

As you probably know, this is going thru the House of Lords now. There is a website where you can adopt a peer & write to them to try & get them to vote against privatization of the NHS. It's www.keepournhspublic.com/, & apparently it's better to send a letter! That's good for those of us without computers we can print off the details & do it at home. Please pass on, ta.

Love & Light

Anky

Diary of a Benefit Scrounger: Open Letter to Iain Duncan Smith

2011-10-04T02:41:00.000-07:00

Diary of a Benefit Scrounger: Open Letter to Iain Duncan Smith

2011-10-01T05:15:00.000-07:00

Greetings and many Blessings to you Ladies,

Look at this! I have been reading this word in a book that I have been reading. It is a book by Dr Horace G. Campbell an Afrikan American social scientist. The book that I have been reading is called ‘Barack Obama and 21st Century Politics – A Revolutionary Moment in the USA’. I came across this the word Ubuntu. When I came to understand the meaning I was excited beyond containment. It gave me goose pimples. I researched the word further, speaking with people from the southern Afrika. Their explanation of the word tied up with what is explain below. Not only that, their curiosity about how I had come across this word showed the depth and importance that they attempted to convey to me. What I understood from that is Ubuntu is not just a word or philosophy it is also an experience and a way of being. It explains to some degree, the depth of a word that I could not find in the English language; a depth that needed to be expressed in the vision of the personal and public work we are embarking on for our whole community and people. Check it out sisters and feel it; tell me that it does not ring out to you.

Ubuntu [ ooo – boo – uun – tu ]

“Ubuntu is an ancient philosophy founded on the notion of communalism, (I am, because we are), driven by the attributes such as, truth, justice and compassion. This philosophy does not discriminate on the grounds of Race, economic affluence, social status or gender. It is a flow of life that is the same for every member of the Human Race. Ubuntu is not only tied to human life. It also concerns itself with respect for animals and the environment. The adoption so such a philosophy therefore seeks to create a balance between the self and others, as well as between the internal and external.” Definition written by Mamatshilo Motsei (2007) The Kanga and Kangaroo Court: Refelction on the rape Trial of Jacob Zuma, Jacana Media, Joannesburg.

UBUNTU is deeply rooted in the language of Southern tribes of Afrika and in particularly the Ngani tribes who can also be found in East Afrikan countries such as Tanzania and even the Congo in central Afrika and wider. The word can be found in many of the languages of the south, in Swazi, Zulu and Bantu.There is another word tied into the concept of Ubuntu, it is Unhu. But let’s have that discussion later. See below for other explainations

MY PROPOSAL IS: that this word is who we are and who we as a movement for our people aspire to become – we are PEOPLE of UBUNTU (UBUNTU WOMEN) - I call to you to adopt this as the label and spirit for our movement and bring the spirit of Ubuntu into our communities and everything that is our and that we represent. It will be our mantra and the mantra of many to come. How healthy is it?

Many Blessings and all grace is with you,
Much love your sister,
Jennifer

For your further information: Below I had added some further definitions found on Wikipedia, offered in talks by: Peace activist Leymah Gbowee; Nelson Mandela; Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Judge Colin Lamont; Tim Jackon – very powerful

Respect to Ancient Afrikan philosophy (the future contribution to healthier world perspectives).

Ubuntu: "I am what I am because of who we all are." (From a translation offered by Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee.)

Archbishop Desmond Tutu offered a definition in a 1999 book:[3]

A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed.

Tutu further explained Ubuntu in 2008:[4]

One of the sayings in our country is Ubuntu – the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can't exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can't be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality – Ubuntu – you are known for your generosity.

We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole World. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.

Nelson Mandela explained Ubuntu as follows:[5]

A traveller through a country would stop at a village and he didn't have to ask for food or for water. Once he stops, the people give him food, entertain him. That is one aspect of Ubuntu, but it will have various aspects. Ubuntu does not mean that people should not enrich themselves. The question therefore is: Are you going to do so in order to enable the community around you to be able to improve?

Tim Jackson refers to Ubuntu as a philosophy that supports the changes he says are necessary to create a future that is economically and environmentally sustainable.[6]

Judge Colin Lamont expanded on the definition during his ruling on the hate speech trial of Julius Malema [7]:

Ubuntu is recognised as being an important source of law within the context of strained or broken relationships amongst individuals or communities and as an aid for providing remedies which contribute towards more mutually acceptable remedies for the parties in such cases. Ubuntu is a concept which:

1. is to be contrasted with vengeance;
2. dictates that a high value be placed on the life of a human being;
3. is inextricably linked to the values of and which places a high premium on dignity, compassion, humaneness and respect for humanity of another;
4. dictates a shift from confrontation to mediation and conciliation;
5. dictates good attitudes and shared concern;
6. favours the re-establishment of harmony in the relationship between parties and that such harmony should restore the dignity of the plaintiff without ruining the defendant;
7. favours restorative rather than retributive justice;
8. operates in a direction favouring reconciliation rather than estrangement of disputants;
9. works towards sensitising a disputant or a defendant in litigation to the hurtful impact of his actions to the other party and towards changing such conduct rather than merely punishing the disputant;
10. promotes mutual understanding rather than punishment;
11. favours face-to-face encounters of disputants with a view to facilitating differences being resolved rather than conflict and victory for the most powerful;
12. favours civility and civilised dialogue premised on mutual tolerance

Arts All Over the Place 2011

2011-09-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

Arts All over the Place is a celebration of "The Arts" and mental Health. Open to all and especially those who have experienced mental health problems. Monday September 26th until Saturday October 8th Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 11am to 5pm Tues and Thurs 11am until 6.30pm Events include A large and exciting exhibition of work created by service users, A storytelling workshop with Women in Theatre, A showing of the film Digital Stories, a range of free workshops including poetry, jewellery making and visual arts. At the Zellig Building, Custard Factory, Gibb St., Birmingham B9 4AA. More information www.madcap.pcriot.com Supported by Full Potential Arts, Birmingham and Solihull Mental health NHS Foundation Trust,

Shirley P. Cooper's Tribe And Gallery: Older people need to be respected in this country

2011-09-13T05:45:00.000-07:00

Shirley P. Cooper's Tribe And Gallery: Older people need to be respected in this country

Older people need to be respected in this country

2011-09-13T05:44:00.000-07:00

Call on the Government to Create a Dedicated Minister for Older People Petition | GoPetition
I come from a culture where older people were respected. You were expected to say Good Morning etc when you first encountered someone for the day. If you didn't not only were you considered ill mannered but you could get a beating from that person and your parents / guradian told about your rudeness. When I came to England I felt as if I was in paradise. Here, children shouted at, swore, said no, hit their parents, teachers, older people and each other. Wow. A few months ago a young cousin sent me a nasty message on facebook. Someone had told her mum that I said. How complicated. Instead of asking me what was said, the child (she is still younger than me) send me this nasty message with swear words. I looked at it and thought I wouldn't have dared think about such a message to my uncle, her grandfather. As old as I am he would still have knocked my teeth out. And I would have felt that I deserved it. If he even thought that I was thinking of such things I would have been in trouble. Though I wouldn't advocate violence against such a rude individual I still think there is room for improvement. People with words like those in their vocabulary used to have their mouth washed out with soap. It also shows a lack of vocabulary in any case. Some of those ranting and raving on facebook and other social media sites would never dare say it those things to someone's face. If you cut the swear words and insults out of some message you would not have a message. Maybe what we all need to learn is to love each other, unconditionally. Forgiveness and healing is neccessary. Older people are feeling cast out, unwanted, a waste of space as their needs are not being met, their children have no time for them, the resources they depended on are being depleted, nil by mouth messages are hung over their hospital beds, buses are re-routed or taken off, fares are going up etc. After the years they spent paving the way for us to follow the least we can do is respect them.

Supporting each other

2011-09-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

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Subject: Our complaints
Dear Sir/Madam,
... I am writing in regard to the handling of our complaints against the police, we have tried so hard to get help with our complaints but have had no success at all.
Since we reported a theft and other irregularities against our solicitor and our landlords Amicus Horizon Housing Association we have waited months for the police to take action but we have had nothing but broken promises. Any police officer would probably agree that making a case against a solicitor would be difficult enough, yet our solicitor has been given 6 months to prepare excuses for his lies and wrongdoing, the police have refused evidence and still show little interest in reviewing any, this duty solicitors word appearing to carry far more weight than any of his victims.
Chief Inspector Ling stated that under no circumstances would he investigate our landlords despite lots of complaints, all from disabled tenants.
The police stated that disability discrimination is a "non crime" they promised to interview our solicitor in relation to the allegations of theft many months ago but interviewed the wrong one, then they promised to visit us in may but never turned up and then we were promised they would contact us on the 15th August and then promised us an update on the 23rd August but nothing has happened.
We have watched people being arrested and appearing in court within a few weeks and sentenced to long terms of imprisonment for theft of doughnuts, theft of free argos catalogues, and theft of a bottle of water yet the value of the property stolen by our solicitor was set (by him) at and it seems to us as if he is getting assistance rather than questions.
We do understand how busy the police are and their need to priotise and we expected the rioting incidents to set the help we had hoped to recieve back even though there were no disturbances in Hastings, but the fact is these events are all recent where our complaint is now because of the lack of interest of Hastings police aged. We know that the police would prefer these matters to be dealt with in a civil court but we feel that should have changed when we showed them that the behaviour towards us was also of a criminal nature. It is becoming increasingly unlikely that any action is going to be taken that could help us get our property back and even less likely that any successful prosecution could now ever be obtained.
We also feel that there would have been a far better outcome if your office did not keep returning our complaints to the police station that has so far failed us so badly and we would very much like you to ask why no one would accept our complaints against our landlords, why the police continue to refuse to even listen to the recordings of our crooked solicitor and why the police have failed to keep their word yet again. We would like to know why harrassment and persecution against disabled tenants is deliberately ignored and why we were blocked from taking civil action against the Chief Constable.
The police and your offices and the CPS have ignored our demonstrations and petitions and even if no successful prosecution is possible we would like to know why you all allowed it to happen and why it is acceptable for a duty solicitor to be given information and 6 months leeway to create replies, and possibly false evidence which would make him look innocent.
The time that the IPCC has allowed this situation to continue has been very beneficial to those who have been acting against us and has and continues to cause us a great deal of harm and it is very discouraging that if this solicitor or our landlord entered allegations against us then no evidence would be required and there would be no delays allowed.
We ask once again that you take our complaints seriously and investigate why this delay was ever allowed to occur
Yours Sincerely
Graeme Morgan1066 Housing Action

Jan's New Book.

2011-08-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Jan for this. http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2011/08/15/woman-battles-bipolar-to-publish-ghost-story-97319-29235136/ Survivors are doing it for themselves.

Fire

2011-08-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

Fire
Fire in the galley
Fire down below
Catch a bucket of water boy
There's fire down below

Next Time
The fight will be
between Police and Community
between guns and guns
for wrongs done

Next time
It won't be a joke
The whole city
up in smoke

Next time
When tempers rise
You'll hear the cries…...Fire
And they won't shout little liar ..as

Babylon's burning
Babylons's burning
Babylon's burning
And there's no water

We asked for jobs
and less sobs
you describe us as mobs

Fetch the engine,
Fetch the engine
Fetch the engine
and there's no water

Noah had an Ark
but this ain't a lark
Yet another car park

Fire Fire ......little liar.
Shirley P Cooper

Businesses lose £7m as a result of Birmingham riots - News - Daily Bulletin News from @birminghampost

2011-08-12T06:31:00.000-07:00

Businesses lose £7m as a result of Birmingham riots - News - Daily Bulletin News from @birminghampost

African Union and Iran issue “statements” on London Riots

2011-08-12T05:38:00.000-07:00

African Union and Iran issue “statements” on London Riots

Assistive Technology (AT) Call for Participation

2011-08-01T03:06:00.000-07:00

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Natalie Rock
Sent: Mon, 1 August, 2011 10:28:36
Subject: RAatE 2011 Call for Papers - Deadline Extended

RAatE 2011 – Monday 28 November 2011, University of Warwick Conference Centre, Coventry

Call for Participation

The only UK conference focussed on the latest innovations in Assistive Technology (AT), RAatE 2011 will be of interest to everyone who uses, works with, develops or conducts research in the field of AT. RAatE is a friendly and productive conference that offers the chance to meet and share knowledge and experiences with other people working in AT.
RAatE offers you the opportunity to present your work to a unique multi-disciplinary audience dedicated to Assistive Technology.
Individuals are invited to submit:
· Papers for a 20 minute platform presentation

· Case studies for a 20 minute platform presentation

· Posters

Under one of the following topics:
· Services – Aspects of Service Delivery

· Development & Challenges in Wheelchair Services

· New Service Demands: Commissioning of Re-ablement & AT Services

· Case Studies of Innovative AT in Practice.
As with previous years, submissions may include reporting on research projects, service developments, case studies, evaluations, new developments or reviews.

In addition to research papers or new innovations this year we are looking for offers of presentations on how specialist aspects of assistive technology are delivered within services. With an ever expanding range of technology we are looking for services to present on how they meet the increasing needs and expectations of their client groups.
In particular we would welcome hearing how your service provides specialist aspects of assistive technology such as wheelchair controls, integrated access, communication requirements or environmental control. The problems encountered and (hopefully) the solutions that have worked locally. These can be in the form of case studies or group presentations.

For more information or to submit a paper, please click here or visit www.raate.org.uk
Closing date for submissions is 2pm on 19 August 2011.

Natalie Rock

Project Assistant

Health Design & Technology Institute

T: +44 (0) 2476 15 8084

F: +44 (0) 2476 15 8098

www.hdti.org.uk

HDTI’s Assistive Technologies & Community Healthcare Development Project is supported by the European Regional Development Fund under Priority 1 - Promoting Innovation and Research & Development

News

2011-07-19T03:15:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
I was interviewed by Coventry internet radio station hillz fm today and also plugged a few of my songs. Talked briefly about mental health and highlighted a few events upcoming on the mental health scene. The show is repeated on Tuesday 20th July at 7pm on internet radio station www.thehillz.net
Mike Mc Donagh

RIP John Prince. The funeral Service will be held at St Francis Catholic Church in Lozells in Hunters Rd on Friday 29th July at 10.30 then at Witton Cemetry. We'll miss having tea and icecream with him in McDonalds. John worked as a porter in British Home Stores and loved his cigs. His good friend have looked after him for years and we are all making sure that John has a 'good send off'.

Rachel Green, Community Vibes is putting on another fund-filled production today in Central Library theatre. Body Images. Most people either want to make themselves thinner or fatter, want bigger or smaller boobs, bigger or smaller bums, lighter or darker skin, fuller or thinner lips, straighter or curlier hair. Very few love the body they're born in. Haven't seen Rachel's play yet but I'm sure some if not all the above will feature. More next time.

Commemorating Transatlantic Slavery and its abolition.

2011-07-18T03:38:00.003-07:00

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: SistaTalk
To: "spcnac@yahoo.co.uk"
Sent: Mon, 18 July, 2011 11:13:50
Subject: IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE WINDRUSH FOUNDATION
Network Email

SistaTalk

NBWN

A message to all members of SistaTalk

PLEASE CIRCULATE TO OTHERS:
Last week the Big Lottery refused Windrush Foundation a grant of £98,000 annually to run a project that would have organised major events and activities on August 23 and throughout the year. The British Government in a Press Release issued on 13 December 2007 announced that August 23 each year would be a national day in the UK for commemorating transatlantic slavery and its abolition.
Also, see the link below:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/newsroom/1695612
The Press Release goes on to say, "With the 23 August set to be a national day of commemoration in years to come, I hope that cultural sector across the country will continue to mark the day and inspire and move people just as they did this past year with a range of commemorative events - from displays, lectures, to religious services and plays... In the coming years groups looking to mark the 23 August will be able to apply to the Heritage Lottery Fund for support. They will also be able to apply to the Big Lottery Fund and Arts Council England.”
It should be noted that the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust receives about £500,000 annually from the British Government to provide information on the Holocaust and hold commemorative events/activities on 27 January, and throughout the year
To date, none of the lottery bodies have funded African, Caribbean or any organisations for August 23 commemorative events or activites. Windrush Foundation was refused funding on two occasions in the last two years. The Big Lottery’s reasons are that the “application is not recommended for funding as the project is not targeting those most in need... Consultation is older than 12 months and was not directly with beneficiaries. Those most in need are not effectively targeted by the project.”
The Big Lottery also said it would only fund such projects if hard evidence was shown for August 23.
Arthur Torrington has therefore launched a campaign and is asking for your support for August 23 projects by ANSWERING THE TWO QUESTIONS BELOW and emailing them to: windrush.project@gmail.com
Do you think there is a need for a community project, which provides information and holds events on August 23 - and throughout the year - featuring stories and activities about transatlantic slavery and its abolition?

Yes?

No?

Will you support a community project, which provides information and holds events on August 23 - and throughout the year - featuring stories and activities about transatlantic slavery and its abolition?

Yes?

No?

Visit SistaTalk at: http://www.sistatalk.co.uk/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

To control which emails you receive on SistaTalk, click here

Inner Peace

2011-07-11T04:21:00.000-07:00

I am passing this on to you because it definitely worked for me today, and
we all could probably use more calm in our lives.

Some doctor on TV this morning said that the way to achieve inner peace is
to finish all the things you have started.
So I looked around my house to see things I'd started and hadn't finished.
 I have managed to finish off a bottle of Merlot, a bottle of Chardonnay, a
 bodle of Baileys, a butle of wum, a pockage of Prungles, tha mainder of
 bot Prozic and Valiuminun scriptins, the res of the chesescke an a box a
 chocletz.
Yu haf no idr how bludy fablus I feel rite now.

Plaese sned dhis orn to dem yu fee ar in ned ov iennr pisss.
An telum,u blody luvum.!! Xxx

Body Image, An interactive fun theatre show

2011-07-06T04:13:00.000-07:00

Community Vibe presents Body Image and Interactive fun theatre show. How do media pressure affect our ideas of body image? Shirley's Tribe are supporting cos Rachel (Green) l is putting on free refreshments, We're also going because we know that Rachel and co will give us enough to think about and we'll have lots of fun. Oh yes; It's on Tuesday 19th July 2001 1.30pm and 7.00pm. It's free but places are strictly limited, Contact Rachel to book your seats. Just noticed I didn't tell you where it is. Library Theatre. Paradise Place. Get to top of steps by Central Library, ask directions and keep a count of how many people know what you're talking about. I'll collect data later. Ooh that rhymes!
rachel@communityvibe.co.uk
www.communityvibe.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=207942465917816&set=o.369178740411&type=1

by Maya Angelou

2011-07-05T02:24:00.000-07:00

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants to or needs to...
something perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
a youth she's content to leave behind....
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .......
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
a feeling of control over her destiny...
how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship....

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW....
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more..
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. .
whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table..
or a charming Inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
What she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...