A Wonderful World

                                                     'A POWERFUL TALE OF A MOTHER'S SURVIVAL' Netflix have returned with another hit series ‘ Maid ’, which follows young mother Alex as she fights to care for her daughter Maddie while experiencing abuse, lack of support and income. Although it’s extremely hard hitting, covers some sensitive topics and has some very raw moments, it’s a beautiful and very honest portrayal of the reality of the circumstances for many and provides light and hope for those who may have been affected by similar situations.   It’s inspired by Stephanie Land’s 2019 Memoir, Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive , in which she shares about working as a maid while raising her daughter. It’s ‘inspired’ by rather than ‘based’ on, as many of the characters, happenings and storylines have been created for t...

                                                Channel 4 returns with another powerful piece of television. New drama ‘Help’ centres itself around the Coronavirus pandemic in its height as it first emerged in 2020. The two hour long drama is set in a fictional care home in Liverpool in the spring, and follows a carer (Jodie Comer) as she bonds with a patient (Stephen Graham), as the pandemic hits she is put to the test in horrific circumstances. This vital one off television creation shares insight into the impact Coronavirus had on care homes during its initial onset and looks at the undervalued care workers whose job was to keep the patients going. Its necessity comes with its strength at shining a light on the hard work and voices of those that continued to work and care during such a difficult and uncertain time, recognising how important the work is that thes...

                                                   ‘CHANNEL 4's POWERFUL NEW MINI SERIES’ ‘I am…’ is a new three part series on Channel 4 of searingly truthful dramas. Each one hour episode follows a different protagonist and shares their story, each focusing on an important subject matter, supporting raising awareness and increasing conversation around such topics. ‘I am Victoria’ is the first of the three. Suranne Jones takes on the role of Victoria and does so phenomenally, her performance is extremely raw, honest and at times difficult to watch. Sharing Victoria’s story, a mother trying to do it all and hurtling towards a breakdown. We see her juggle multiple aspects of her life, finding it difficult to manage until it reaches a point of extremity. It’s a very moving and harrowing piece, equally important in raising awareness and discussion around m...

MORE OF MY FAVOURITE PODCASTS ON THE BLOCK. I’m back with another 5 of my favourite podcasts, their hosts, what they cover and why I’d recommend them to others. 1)   1)  BOBO AND FLEX: This is a vital listen, important and educational but also equally fun and inspirational. Hosted by friends Bobo Matjila and Lillian Ahenkan (Flex Mami) they bring us a psychology and lifestyle podcast. It’s particularly fascinating as it’s cross-continental, Bobo was born in South Africa and raised in New York and Flex is Ghanaian-Australian. They’re passionate about bringing conversations surrounding identity, intersectionality and mental health to podcast platforms and every episode challenges your beliefs, perspective and what you know. They’re constantly teaching me something new and encouraging listeners to question the way we function, behave and think in the world we live in today. They facilitate discussions on taboo subjects, sexual liberation, dating and critical thinking, huge top...

                                    Every year, during the month of June, the LGBT community celebrates in a variety of ways, millions come together to support the community and raise awareness around sexuality, equality, rights and the freedom to be ourselves. Various events, parades and festivals are held during this month as a way of recognising the influence LGBT people have had around the world, and June was chosen because it is when the 1969 Stonewall Riots took place, the protests that began to change gay rights for many in America and beyond. Ultimately, the month celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual,  transgender,  non binary  and queer (LGBTQ+)  social and self acceptance, achievements, legal rights,  and pride.  The events also at times serve as demonstrations for legal rights such as same sex marriage.  Pride has long been vital in pav...

                                                            YOUR MIND MATTERS. This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, 10th-16th May 2021. What is Mental Health Awareness Week? A national week in the UK to raise awareness of mental health and mental health problems. It's aim is to encourage action and promote the message of caring for and understanding mental health. The event has been organised and hosted by The Mental Health Foundation for the last twenty-one years, an opportunity for people to talk and learn about all aspects of mental health with a focus on providing help and advice. It's important that we continue to raise awareness to ensure we continue to strive to create a society that advocates for mental health. Despite its importance, there is still stigma attached. Mental health is just as essential as physical. It's convers...

This month we celebrated International Women’s Day, within the same week we heard from a woman who faced suicidal thoughts as a consequence of being targeted by the media and press, victimised, accused of lying and admitted to feeling trapped in a system. Simultaneously, a young woman was reported missing, investigations soon revealed that she was sexually assaulted and murdered by a man when walking home. Allegations were made that it was her fault for walking home alone late after drinking, and a police officer whose responsibility is to protect has been arrested for her murder. Despite the progressions we’ve made on the treatment towards women throughout the 20 th and 21 st Century, there are still major changes yet to occur. But it shouldn’t take a tragedy in order to acknowledge them. There are many behaviours that have become the norm for women through both fear of safety and what’s taught growing up, whether it be taking the longer route home, holding keys between her finger...

                                                              International Women's Day (IWD) is a day that’s celebrated globally on the 8 th March , honouring the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. A time to commemorate women's achievements, raise awareness about women's equality, speak out for gender parity and fundraise for female-focused charities. Purple, green and white are the colours that mark the day. Purple signifies justice and dignity. Green symbolizes hope. White represents purity, albeit a controversial concept. The colours originated from the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK in 1908. Covid-19 has changed or stopped many things this year, but International Women’s Day continues to be remembered. Usually, the day is marked around the globe with performances,...