Why can’t the government leave things alone if they are working well?! They have decided to stop the funding for my college which is a Recovery College. It’s a college for 500 people like myself who are living with or recovering from (or trying to) mental health conditions. It’s a great place and has really helped me gain my confidence and learn new coping strategies. I’ve also made lots of friends of all sorts there and got to know all the tutors and other staff really well. We’ve been running for nearly four years now, learned a lot, shared a lot and had a lot of fun. Also, on a more serious note, I and we have all learned so much about coping with our lives with a mental health disorder and some of us have been able to move along to voluntary or paid avenues. I attend there 3-4 times a week and have benefitted enormously. It has given me structure to my week, a purpose and a social life, all of which have contributed to my improved mental health. I am upstet and devastated.
The government promised that they would spend more money on mental health yet they are shutting down organizations like ours all over the country. We are campaigning and petitioning fiercely to defend our college but it is not looking promising and students are becoming very down and disheartened as a result.
The government say they want to save money yet can’t they see how bloody and stupidly short-sighted they are! As a result of the college closing, our students will need more support from NHS services such as the Acorn Centre (inpatient), the Crisis Team, our Social Workers, Psychiatrists, CPNs (Community Psychiatric Nurses) and GPs which will in the long run cost far more money.
I will be lost without my college which is set to close at the end of June this year. I have spent hours there, learning, studying, buddying, getting excellent advice and support, socializing and making good friendships and relationships with staff and managers.
So far, we have had a photo and article in the county newspaper, we have been on the radio, have been to see our local MP, have put a petition out there etc, etc, but all to no avail. We are NOT giving up and will continue to fight right up until the doors have to close. We must keep fighting!
As per my following my post, for anyone reading this would you PLEASE PLEASE sign our PETITION to keep this college open. All information is kept strictly confidential. THANK YOU SO, SO MUCH.
Essentially Ellie 
Ugh no. That is terrible!
Please have a look at my next post re college closure, and thank you x
I’m so sorry its closing Ellie! thats terrible. All the government are wasters f you ask me. they lie to get votes when its election time, then they do this? and other similar things, and dont keep any of their promises! I’m just sorry this is happening. Also could you email me manyofus1980@gmail.com i want to give you the new password for my blog! XX
Thank you for understanding how angry and frustrated I feel, Carol anne. I will email you when I can, of course,. In the meantime, in case you haven’t seen my next post, could you PLEASE sign my petition to keep my Recovery College open: https://www.change.org/p/mid-essex-clinical-commissioning-group-reinstate-funding-for-the-mid-essex-recovery-college-and-hub. Thanks so much xxx
I’d start off with a huge string of swear words – but I’ll just let that go and say – firstly – I’m sorry BUT – I’ve already signed the petition. And I really really hope that ALL efforts rally and take great force and stop the absolute stupidity. F$%$%#$%# politicians. (Here too, our “Dictatorial Prime Minister” is equally stupid and is affecting much the same strategies, coupled with our Provincial Numbskull to boot. Infuriating!)
Sending you light and love to help you through this and to help rally the cause Ellie. XXX
Thank you so much for signing Mj and I too, would have typed a whole load of swear words to describe what I think of the unbelievable, idiotic government’s actions. Unfortunately, things aren’t looking too good and at the moment we are set to close at the end of June 😦 . However, we are still fighting and will continue to fight until the very last day right up to having a public protest outside the college doors as it is closed for the final time if that’s what happens. Thanks for your support. Hugs, Ellie xxx
This is such terrible news – but let’s keep the fighting spirit alive – it’s April 25th – and the end of June is not right upon us – even if it feels that way – and with lots of good thoughts, energies and actions – ANYTHING is possible – so keep hope and faith sweetie.
In the meantime, I’ll keep sending you more light, energy and love Ellie XXX
Thanks so much Mj. (Sunday) I’m feeling very low and pessimistic today as expressed in my next post. Sorry. Hugs xxx
Sending you positive thoughts and light and love – even if you’re feeling like you’ve run out of steam – we all have those days – just try to find something that can help take your mind off of things. (hope this isn’t inappropriate to say – I’m reading blog posts later)
Thanks Mj. I must remember that tomorrow is a new day… xxx
Reblogged this on Broken Picket Fences and commented:
I had to show my support for this!!! Please, if you would take just a minute of your time and sign this petition and show your support for a good cause, I sure did! It’s a worthy one!