Rt Hon Nicholas Soames PC MP

This evening, I had a lovely time at the VCA-Vauxhall Conservative Association Christmas Party with Sir Winston Churchill's delightful grandson, Rt Hon Nicholas Soames PC MP. Seen with me in the above photo and video.

rukus!

I took this photo of Ajamu Ex [ Co founder of rukus! Federation] and Colin Robinson, this evening at Brixton Library.

rukus! Federation: | Making Difference Work

rukus.org.uk/

rukus! Federation is an award winning black LGBT arts and heritage organisation.

Today I had lunch with a friend in Vauxhall at the delightful Bonnington Cafe, for vegetarian meals.

Bonnington cafe

www.bonningtoncafe.co.uk/

The cafe is open. 12 until 2 then 6.30 until 10.30. 7 Days a week. 

MIND Media Awards 2011

This evening I had a great time at the 2011 MIND Media Awards. This photo and video was taken of me and Sue Baker [Time to Change] this evening. I shortlisted the speech category, earlier this year, for this evenings awards.

The DONS Trust

Today I spent the day off sick from work. I had migraine and vomiting. I spent the day in bed and this evening  when I got up, I was delighted to find that I had received my DONS Trust membership.

George Condo: Mental States

Today I went with Luis, my 'Spanish brother' to the Hayward Gallery to see the George Condo exhibition. Luis purchased the above print of the pop Queen for me. Then we dined for lunch in Borough Market, at Roast www.roast-restaurant.com/

PACE

I am still very distressed following my time in court and I am being referred to PACE.

PACE 

PACE Health - Home

www.pacehealth.org.uk/  is London's leading charity promoting the mental health and emotional well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. (Registered charity number: 801271)

Established for over 25 years, previously part of the lesbian and gay centre, PACE itself was founded by a group of volunteers in recognition of the difficulties lesbians and gay men faced from homophobia.

Since 1985 PACE services have continually developed, now working with lesbian, gay and bisexual women, gay and bisexual men, trans people and those exploring their sexual or gender identities.We are continually striving to meet the changing needs of the LGBT communities, and our professional and experienced staff and volunteers now offer a range of holistic support services including:

•    Counselling
•    Career/Life coaching
•    Family support
•    Mental health advocacy
•    Training
•    Workshops and groups
•    Youth work (for under 19's)

Evidence shows LGBT people are all too often isolated, marginalised and under-represented in wider society.There are disproportionate numbers of LGBT people struggling with their emotional and physical health and we are committed to supporting LGBT people and challenging the stigma and discrimination faced by many LGBT people in our society.

In recent years, we have seen many changes in the way LGBT people are portrayed in society, the media and legislation.That said, there are many people who still face harassment in the family, work or school and consequently are required to deal with emotional and physical affects of such treatment.

At PACE, we are committed to researching the changing needs of LGBT people, and offering wide ranging, crucial support services to meet these needs and help people move through their difficult times.

All our services are either free or low-cost, and as a charity, all donations can help us provide this important support to more people. 

Four in Ten

This evening I spent time at the Four in Ten LGBT Mental Health Service User meeting at SLAM.

Tower Bridge Magistrate Court

This morning, I attended Tower Bridge Magistrate Court. I was with three female friends and met my excellent solicitor Richard Grace, who was recommended to me by GALOP.

I was given a suspended sentence for two years, fined £85 and given a restraining order.

If Richard was not representing me, I would have been given a harsher sentence!

Time To Change

21st January 2009 Time to Change Campaign
Yvonne Stewart-Williams with Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Today I was delighted to be one of the speakers with lived mental distress experiences with Rethink Mental Illness at PACT - Prison Advice and Care Trust www.prisonadvice.org.uk
I was addressing the Prison Visitor Centre Staff.

Schizophrenia Commission

Despite having a set back yesterday. It was seeing my general practitioner and finding out that my blood pressure is high.

However, today I participated in the launch of the Schizophrenia Commission, as I am one of the commissioners. It is a 100 years since the coining of the phrase Schizophrenia by the Swiss Psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler. Please go to the following website to find out more about what the commission is about:

www.schizophreniacommission.org.uk

In addition, I read in the Daily Telegraph about the fact of Gay Civil partnerships will be allowed in Churches... from 5th December 2011.  Hurrah!

http://www.stonewall.org.uk/media/current_releases/6556.asp

GALOP

Yesterday, I contacted GALOP  www.galop.org.uk Galop works to prevent and challenge homophobic and transphobic hate crime in Greater London. We reduce crimes against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, and campaign for an improved criminal justice system. 

I was given the address for STONEWALL recommended, gay-friendly solicitors, Blackwell Davis, who work with TV Edwards & JB Wheatley, based in Depford High Street.