Karaoke and summary of last few months.

Last Friday we had our first Karaoke, Live show since the Christmas Party at Ladywood Community Centre. As usual it was vibrant, well attended and the food was lovely. A choice of vegetarian curry, chicken, rice and peas, plain rice, fried dumplings, salad, fruit. The DJ was good. My daughter and grandchildren came along as did other children as it was Half Term. Though Day Centres have closed a lot of the ex staff and their ex clients turned up. We had a one-minute silence for survivors / users who have died in the last 6 months. Including, Beryl Small, artist: Osborne Daley, pub manager; Corky, artist; Mildred Queelie community grandmother; Paul White, my ex pupil; Audrey a friend and fellow women group's member; Tracey, singer who is blogged elsewhere: May they all Rest in Peace. They've all got a special place in our hearts and life won't be the same without them. Special thanks was made to Viv Allen who attended these funerals with Survivors who would otherwise have not attended. Not only did he pick some up he also made sure they got home safely long after work hours. Thanks also to other survivors who may not have personally known the deceaseds but came out to show support for other who did. Being in the mental health system as a survivor, carer, staff we are surrounded by death. Worse still when a survivor no longer wishes to be here and takes their own life. We continue to pray for their souls and all affected by their death.  Times are getting hard. There has been many cuts in services. More are being announce today. We are all affected. Shirley's Tribe has seen some changes. I am dealing with more cases. Depression is showing it's ugly face  more often. Finding somewhere for people to go, other than Day Centres, is a hard task. People are having their benefits cut and struggling to get them back after long waits for reinstatement. People are being forced onto courses and signing on after being 'sick for life' Birmingham Centre for Inclusive Living after infighting has now closed. (see separate Blog) The Healing service at St Martins Church,  is packed now-a-days as people are in more pain. We have to find creative ways of surviving and thriving over the next few very hard months ahead. With support all things are possible.