I'm Interested In How Things Can Be Done.

UK Advocacy Network (UKAN) - is a national federation of user-led groups involved in advocacy, patient councils, service planning etc. It exsists to facilitate a two-way process - supporting user groups with training, advice and examples of good practice and acting at national level to pass on views from grass roots to the highest levels of the mental health system: www.u-kan.co.uk

WISH (Women in Secure Hospitals) - assists women in, at risk of being in, or discharged from secure hospitals: Rampton, Ashworth or Broadmoor, also regional medium secure units, e.g. Denis Hill Unit at the Bethlem and Cane Hill Unit in Coulsden, as well as Holloway Prison Psychiatric Unit. Visits arranged to women in hospitals and units. Offers information and advice, advocacy, befriending and support, with an emphasis on self-help and empowerment. Campaigns for changes to mental health law on women's issues, and can provide research materials, etc: www.womenatwish.com

Mind (The National Association for Mental Health) - offers a national information service and legal advice. Supports over 200 independent affiliated Mind associations nationwide. Organises campaigns, conferences and training courses. Extensive range of books, leaflets, reports, factsheets and other publications available. Publishes 'OpenMind' magazine quarterly. Includes the MindLink network of service users/survivors, and Diverse Minds, a black and minority ethnic network: www.mind.org.uk

RADAR - is a national organisation run by disabled people. Bookshop, mailing list and email chat service. Links to other disability sites: www.radar.org.uk

I have been up and out today, with my ipod playing Alanis Morrisette's 'Jagged Little Pill' c.d. It is one of my favourites, as well as both 'Kill Bill' movies, directed by Quentin Tarrantino.

For some reason this morning, I thought of my many enjoyable holidays in Berlin, which took place after the onset of my mental illness, but before my son's birth.

By 10.30am I was seated in my local Friends (Quaker) Meeting House, participating in a meeting for worship. I am going to contact Quaker lesbian & Gay fellowship www.qlgf.org.uk