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Mental Health Awareness Week

Today marked the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week 2013. I challenge you, therefore, how aware are you?

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Running For My Life And My MIND

In January 2006, Mental Health professionals in Manchester begun to put my life back together after I survived a large overdose. On May 26, I can finally say thank you as I run the streets of Manchester raising funds for Mind in the BUPA Great Manchester Run.

ONE in FOUR …

Official figures say 1 in 4 people will suffer from Mental Health difficulties in any year. On World Mental Health Day 2012, I challenge you simply: will you judge others, or be the voice to defend dignity & restore life? Your answer will say more about you than I ever could.

Racism: Not Black And White

I have been utterly shocked by some of the ‘journalism’ that I have recently seen in the ‘gutter press’ – lack of knowledge is no excuse, and flaming the incendiary is no substitute for educating.

The Ignorant Bliss Of Judgement

Regardless of whether you think Luis Suarez innocent or guilty, the British Media has shown itself to be totally lacking in knowledge and integrity.

A History Which Cuts Deep

There are many polarised views on last month’s riots in the UK, but it is time for Black & Asian community leaders to assess whether we benefit from the learning of a history in oppression, or one of proud achievement. However the answers are not ‘black and white’.

Do Not Stand At Her Grave And Weep

We are all defined by those with whom we come into contact, and Danielle’s impact on me was inestimable. On Sunday, do not feel sympathy for me, just raise a glass to the person that made me the better person that I am today.

This Is Why We Do It

People blog for all manner of reasons. In my case, they have changed drastically over the last 2 years, but I gain more satisfaction now than ever.

Old Box, Fresh Scent

‘Pleasure is the flower that passes; remembrance, the lasting perfume’ ~ Jean de Boufflers. After 19 months, I finally looked inside the unopened box to find that rather than pain, memories bring a warmth which allows us to move forward in our lives

Why Autism?

How much do we really know about Autism. I attended a seminar with Ari Ne’eman, the first Autistic person to sit on the National Council on Disability in the US. His thoughts were very thought provoking as I prepare for a fundraising drive.

A Joy Like No Other

Nine Months Ago, I thought that I knew God and I felt that I was happy. Now I KNOW IT – The CPAS Growing Leaders programme challenged me to change my life for the better, for good.

In the MIND But Visible To All

How many know that this is National MIND Week 2011? How many what MIND do or that 1 in 4 adults in the UK will suffer this year from a Mental Health related illness? How many that you can really help? It is time to remove the stigma … it is not ‘all in the mind’.

Answering The Call

Saved from 10 years of depression, rescued from the loss of the person that I loved most, my faith is the opportunity to give something back.

In My Liverpool Home

Born, brought up and back living in Birmingham, yet, spiritually and in some ways physically, there is only one home for me: the City of Liverpool

Eternally Walking In Our Hearts

22 years ago tomorrow, the dreams and hopes of a bright spring morning turned to the darkest despair and tragedy that a city has seen. Still they seek justice for the lives of 96 men and women.

The Nil By Mouth Syndrome

I know we live in an age where the power of speech & communication seems to have deserted us, but do now even have to chat someone up by asking for their Facebook or Email Address??

What Was Chaucer Thinking …

What on earth possessed Geoffrey Chaucer, that his writing should inspire the modern celebration … or should that be utterly needless panic, pressure and expenditure … of Valentine’s Day?

I’m Still Standing

Loss is disorderly with several stages of transition seeming to overlap – I sway and rock to my foundations, but remain standing and ready to confront the challenges ahead of me.

Twitter: Real People, Real Abuse

Twitter is one of the biggest phenomena in recent years. It is a real extension to the lives of many, yet so many use the anonymity of the internet and use it as a forum to abuse and insult others

Why Me?

Somewhere in time, the phrase ‘why me’ managed to assume almost exclusively negative connotations. Actually, the word ‘why’ alone is one of the most menacing in the English language. However, when I say ‘why me’, I feel truly blessed.

Never Leave Words Unspoken

Grief brings with it so many contrasting emotions. Shock becomes anger which in turn leads to helplessness. However, the biggest loss is the opportunity to say the words that forever remain unsaid.

If Only Indeed, But Nothing Changes

It is one year to the day that I waved my fiancée off at Manchester Airport. It would be the last time that I saw her. There are so many words that were left unsaid. If only I could have those last few days all over.

Help, Sometimes The Hardest Four Letter Word

Depression is an illness, one that takes the life of many in a tragic way that is difficult to fathom. It is time to obliterate the outdated and ignorant assumptions surrounding it. There is a road to recovery, but it starts deep within.

Enjoy Today Before It Becomes Yesterday

Every day is a new today, and we owe it to ourselves to cherish every today before it becomes a yesterday.

An Evening at the Twitter Arms

This post was originally published in September 2010. Ian does a better job than anyone I have heard, in explaining the phenomenon that is Twitter

Daring to Believe

Too often we find ourselves ceding to the status quo, but when is the time to challenge it and force a step forward in life?

A Four Letter Word …

Whilst aesthetic beauty is always special, I derive some of my greatest pleasure from the written word.

And the Greatest of These is Love

When life gets too much, sometimes the greatest solace comes from the true innocence of a child’s mine. In looking to define love, I just listened to what some very special kids had to say.

It’s Good to Talk, It Saved my Life

Reflections of a time when anger threatened to provoke a spectacular implosion of my life – for years I thought I could do it alone, but it was only when I learnt to speak, that the pain eroded.

How Will I Know If I’m Enough?

Somehow, I cannot help thinking that the stress of modern life could be approached so differently to help others. I know that I would have benefited had I understood my issues earlier.

Guyana – South America meets Caribbean

A journey to South America, but to a land which has produced many West Indian cricketing greats; a land divided by 4 rivers, a country with its coast below sea-level, and one which saw one of history’s most notorious massacres. Guyana has quite a story to tell.

What's it all about Alfie?

This is my personal place on the web. Although I write for different sports sites, this is where I reveal my innermost self and thoughts, with reflections on a journey through grief and bereavement, to the hope that lies ahead.