Inspiration for the clubhouse-based program came from Radio La Colifata of Buenos Aires, Argentina, which broadcast their shows from a psychiatric hospital
Radio-UP is an important part of Donald Berman UP House—a “clubhouse” affiliated with the international mental health clubhouse movement. The emergence of these clubhouses around the world demonstrates that people with mental illness can successfully participate in society through education, employment and other social activities.
16 British Columbia artists, men and women, senior both in years and professional stature, share their personal take on life, the human condition, aging, the passage of time, and the search for meaning and purpose in life
Aging is a hot topic these days. Aging boomers consult experts on how to prepare for old age, how to look younger, how to save for retirement, how to maintain their brains and bodies at peak performance. But artists are accustomed to living on the fringes of society—on the outside, looking in. They are typically less conventional, more experimental, more critical of society, and often poorer, less secure, and more isolated than the average citizen.
Kim Goldberg is an award-winning poet, journalist and author of six books. Her work has appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies around the world. She has lived in Nanaimo for more than thirty years. Latest titles: RED ZONE (poems of homelessness) and RIDE BACKWARDS ON DRAGON: a poet’s journey through Liuhebafa. Kim is the recipient of the BC Arts Council $12,200 Award for Creative Writing. Tune into People First Radio thus Thursday at noon on CHLY 101.7fm for a conversation with Kim.
Joel has a Masters in Journalism from Carleton University. His thesis topic was “Verbatim Theatre as a form of journalism”. This play is entirely made up of the words of people in Victoria, interviewed by Joel. It is running in Victoria until January 19.
“A kaleidoscopic view of a subject about which everyone has an opinion and almost no one has an answer.”
This very special project was commissioned by the Belfry Theatre, and playwright/journalist Joel Bernbaum spent over a year interviewing hundreds of people in Victoria about homelessness.
Conversations in grade four classrooms, senior citizens homes, businesses, homeless shelters and on doorsteps have been transcribed and edited into a fascinating play: a portrait of homelessness in our community, in the words of our community.
“Moving, enlightening, funny and surprising.”
Bobbi Schram and Joan Wallace + The Martys played at a fundraiser held Friday November 15th to benefit Columbian Centre Society.
Kevin and Ashta hosted the night of performances which focused on issues related to health and wellness. On People First Radio this week, Nancy and Ashta will present music and commentary from that night.
Here are a few photos from the event
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Mad Pride is an arts, culture, and heritage festival created by psychiatric survivors, consumers, mad people, and folks the world has labelled “mentally ill”
Mad Pride Toronto holds “a Celebration of Madness” from July 8th to July 14th,2013
There have been multiple approaches to challenging discrimination against people with disabilities/disabled people including “Pride.” These started gaining ground in North America during the 1970s thanks to groups in the disability rights movement and other social movements. Similar to how LGBTQ communities are reclaiming the word “queer”, Mad Pride activists seek to reclaim language that has been used against us such as “mad”, “nutter”, “crazy”, “lunatic”, “maniac”, and “psycho”. Reclaiming language is political and challenges discrimination. Mad Pride participants use and refuse a variety of labels. Mad Pride participants choose “mad” as an umbrella term. [source: mad pride toronto 2013] (more…)
