Reframing Mental distress as a potential catalyst for positive change

Learning to love ourselves through adversity is probably the bravest thing we can do. *Are you KindaProud of yourself enough to share your story in order to give HOPE to others? Through being brave enough to show our vulnerability, we lower the barriers in others in order that we can truly SEE each other from the heart. This is the only place from which authentic connection happens… ❤

Our Kinda Proud book series aims to decrease stigma, improve wellbeing and influence the saving of lives through providing a more compassionate and positive conceptual framework for emotional distress, and normalising these human experiences.

This project is unique because each Pocket Book of hope has its own KindaProud Rep; a Peer who has personal experience of the theme of that specific book in which they tell their own story and encourage others to join them in doing the same.

What are the main aims and objectives of the Kinda Proud book series? 

• To relieve people of the distress associated with transformational crises by offering authentic examples of personal stories and resources to engender hope and initiate recovery.
• To provide opportunities for Volunteers to join a virtual community and work in collaboration with other #EP Peer Reps to create books of empowerment.
• To decrease stigma, improve wellbeing and influence the saving of lives through providing a more compassionate and positive conceptual framework for emotional distress.
• To use all proceeds from book sales to provide free books to hospital wards and mental health facilities throughout the UK and Internationally, in oder to inject hope for someone during their most difficult times

The 4 pocket books currently being created are:

#Emerging Proud through Suicide

#Emerging Proud through NOTES (Non- Ordinary Transcendent Experiences)

# Emerging Proud through disordered eating, body image and low-self-esteem

#Emerging Proud through trauma and abuse

*Do these subjects resonate with your own experience? 

Would you like to share your story to give HOPE to others? 

(*If you intend to share your story publicly for the first time, please ensure you protect anyone else who may feature with a pseudonym if necessary, and that you have support as it can be a scary experience knowing that we are laying ourselves bare to the world)

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW TO JOIN THE KINDA PROUD COMMUNITY OF BRAVE PEERS

Bobbi’s inspirational courage is palpable as she recounts her story below…

The wisdom she’s gained through such horrific circumstances, speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. Bobbi so rightly talks about how, when we don’t deal with ‘trauma imprints’ of life; the pressure of repressing them leads to ‘soul- tiredness‘. As Bobbi states; “…grief is a raging river; you have to get into it and let it flow all around you, rather than fighting the current which will suck you under.” 

Once we surrender to it, that can be the beginning of ‘soul- thriving’… Accepting help from others isn’t weakness; it is only then we have the capacity to truly give from our heart ❤

On January 25, 2015 my life; my “reality” as I knew it, ended when my husband of 15 years completed suicide, in the driveway of our home. We had an argument that fateful night and had I known the outcome, I would have changed so many words/actions/choices, not in that I think I could have changed the outcome, but just so I could have more peace surrounding our last words to each other.  In the end, the horrific reality of a suicide is that you cannot just apologize, hug it out, or ask for a “do over”; it is an absolute finality and that person forever gets the “last word.”  There are details I feel need to be shared for one to understand the depth and complexity of our loss and my passion and mission to spread awareness about grief, complicated grief and suicide.  However, by the same token, I choose to leave out a lot of the graphic details out of respect for my children and my late husband.

During our argument, Ken went into our master bedroom closet and grabbed our handgun that had been stored in a lock box for years and never loaded (so I thought); a struggle ensued — half of me not believing he was really going to do anything with the gun, thinking it was a manipulation tactic — and the other half of me terrified about what was transpiring.  Ken overpowered me and made his way to leave out our back door to the garage and into his car.  I begged him to not go and threatened to call the police; this only angered him more.  I followed him to the garage and tried to grab the gun away from him as he entered his car.  As I grabbed for the gun, I heard a voice, from out of nowhere — (I know and believe it to be my Guardian Angel) — tell me to “drop the gun and back away.”  I did drop the gun as Ken backed the car up, backing over my foot, yelling that he would “do it in front of me and the kids if I didn’t let him leave.”  As I ran back into our house to find my cell phone to call 9-1-1, I heard the gunshot.  I ran out to find Ken, in the front seat of his car with a single gunshot wound through his chin, and barely breathing.  In the midst of the chaos that ensued, my then 7 year-old slipped out of the house and saw his dad in the car.  It haunts me still to this day that I was not able to protect my youngest son from that horrific scene.  My youngest was shortly thereafter diagnosed with PTSD.  What my youngest son and myself witnessed that night compares closely to the true life crimes you watch on television.

The fallout of Ken’s decision to complete suicide was incomprehensible; brutal; gut-wrenching; and horrific.  Ken’s family blamed me. They chose to believe Ken’s words spoken to one of his sisters, in a phone conversation just hours before Ken took his life, as “truth” and there were a lot of rumors spread by the family that were not remotely ever the truth.  Ken was not in his right mind, clearly, and yet, his sister chose to make assumptions on things she knew nothing about. I now know what it feels like to be wrongly accused of murder.

For two weeks I could not close my eyes to sleep; flashbacks haunted me and my heart would not stop racing.  I was crawling out of my own skin as PTSD set in and anxiety like I had never known threatened to take my sanity.  The only way I was able to close my eyes and get any sleep would be when I would call out to my God and beg him to keep me from going crazy and leaving my boys.  Psalm 23 would readily be recited to me each time, from somewhere within me:

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

2     He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

3     he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me, all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

In order to understand my journey more fully, I feel it is important to explain a little more about me; my traumatic childhood and my spiritual foundation.  I do believe we are given certain trials and struggles in life that “prepare” us to endure our greatest struggles that can, with faith and mercy, become our greatest lessons and, even, blessings.

First, and most importantly, I am a mother to three, amazing, resilient, brilliant young men who bless me daily and are the reason I choose to not only survive, but thrive.  Namely, Chase (22); Dawson (14) and Dylan (12).  I have had a “million” careers in my short lifetime, ranging from college for radiology technology; massage therapy/kinesiology; church secretary; legal secretary/paralegal for 15 years; parapro teacher (Title 1) for several years; and fitness franchisee owner of Jazzercise, Inc., for 11 years.

I was born in Las Vegas, Nevada in March, 1971.  I am the youngest of two daughters born to my mother, Jane, and my father, Robert.  My mother and father divorced when I was two years old.  My mother subsequently became an alcoholic.  My sister became more of a mother figure to me, scrounging for food and trying to make sure we ate and survived while my mother was intoxicated 24/7.  First trauma “imprint.”

My father died of a massive heart attack when I was 11 years old.  I remember the viewing of my father in his open casket very vividly and now realize how traumatizing that was.  I had not been allowed to have a relationship with him up until about one year prior to his death; I had finally felt like I had a dad and was just getting to know him.  I now realize this was my first experience of suppressed grief due to my having to comfort my mother through her grief over the loss of my father, versus her comforting me through my loss.  Second trauma “imprint.”

My first exposure to suicide came in my mid-30s when I was notified that my childhood best friend, Nicole, had completed suicide.  Her young daughters found her lifeless body hanging in the garage upon returning home from school.  I was completely and utterly shocked and never really did process it all completely; realizing this now only after losing my husband to suicide.  Third trauma “imprint.”

Ken and I suffered four miscarriages in between my son, Chase, and my son, Dawson.  One was a tubal pregnancy. (I’m actually a case study at the University of Oregon for the largest, thriving tubal pregnancy that did not kill the mother.)  Having emergency surgery to remove my thriving baby to save my life was very traumatic.  Fourth trauma “imprint.”

Fast forward to approximately 4 years prior to my husband completing suicide, my mother unexpectedly died after what was to be a short visit to the ER for unexplained stomach pain.  She coded and was gone before I could catch a flight to be by her side.   Fifth trauma “imprint.”

Just one year prior to Ken dying, his father passed away from heart disease.  Ken was at his side at the time of his death.  I took it very hard as I felt like Ken’s dad, Neal, had been like a father figure to me and was the only grandfather my boys had.  Sixth trauma “imprint.”

Just four months prior to Ken dying, our family dog, Bella, was violently mauled to death by our neighbor’s dogs, in front of my youngest son.  Seventh trauma “imprint.”

Following these losses and, specifically, my mother’s death, I started to really evaluate my life; I was soul-tired.  I had been raising young kids, working in the schools, running my fitness franchise business and taking care of everything at home so my husband could focus on his career and climb to the top to achieve his status as the youngest employee to make “partner.”  I was on a quest to find the true, authentic me; what made me happy — an urgency to understand my higher purpose and my God/Universe/Energy at a deeper level.

It is interesting when you start to soul search and ask/pray for help from your higher source; it shakes everything up and it can become a very tumultuous time.  It was as if my energy had shifted and I was consumed with wanting to understand how all life worked and how I could better my life and the lives of others. I remember being on a long run, calling out to my God saying “I feel so alone; I don’t have a ‘community.’”  Little did I know how the universe would quickly show me how wrong I was in that belief, just months later.

When Ken died, my “community” surrounded me and my boys.  The “community” I did not think I had.  It was not his family; it was not even the friends who I thought would be by my side; it was people whom I had touched their lives by my work as a volunteer in the schools and, subsequently, my work as a Title 1 Teacher in our school district; it was my customers from my fitness classes; it was strangers and “acquaintances” who would later become some of my closest friends; it was neighbors whom I had known and talked to regularly, but also neighbors whom I had never spoken to.  This “community” fed me and my boys with meals for three straight months after Ken died.  They regularly took shifts to stay with me at night in those first few weeks.  They offered to help with bills and errands and took my boys out to do fun and light-hearted activities.  Even my teacher community gave us the monies that had been set aside for the new playground equipment at the elementary school!  (Those monies have since been donated back to the school, in remembrance of Ken.)

Even though I had my community’s support, I felt completely and utterly alone in my struggles to come to grips with the new reality that was my life.  My boys were traumatized and my youngest was in the throws of his own PTSD from the events of that night.  I was unable to grieve openly because it would trigger my boys’ angst and fear of abandonment; my boys thought I, too, would leave them if I showed any kind of sadness or tears or weariness.

Ken was a great provider.  We had a large house in Michigan, as well as a cottage up North with lots of ATVs, a boat, motorcycle and all kinds of “toys” and provisions.  These are all great except when you die and cannot take them with you; you leave a lot of property behind for your loved ones to deal with.  The paperwork and tasks were un-ending and amidst all of it, I was tried and convicted by members of Ken’s family who were busy blaming me for his death and were not supportive of my decisions to rid myself of our family home and other property.

The horrific tragedy engulfed me; I knew I was going to suffocate if I stayed in Michigan.  There’s that announcement when you are flying when the flight attendants talk about the oxygen mask that drops from above in case of loss of cabin pressure — that was me!  I had to put on my “oxygen mask” first if I was going to assist my children.  The decision to leave my friends, my work and my community that I had worked so hard to build, was a difficult one.  I had tremendous guilt pulling my children from their friends, their schools and their community in their greatest time of loss but, I knew if I did not, I would not survive.  I had to get away from that house; I had to get away from the “sad stares” of my community and friends; I had to get us where we could “start over” and not have every place, restaurant, friendship, encounter, street sign, etc., throw us into memories of what was a life that no longer was.  I moved to Texas, not knowing a soul, except having two cousins whom I knew growing up but had not been in contact with since high school.  To this date, I am amazed at my ability to be cognizant enough to research, buy a home, and move and establish a thriving life in Texas, just six months following Ken’s suicide.  This I know for sure was by God’s grace.

I commonly compare the aftermath of suicide to the aftermath of a grenade; it spreads shrapnel for miles, injuring and killing countless souls.  I call it the “ripple effect.”  The ripple effects of losing a loved one to suicide are long-standing.  Even three years later, I continue to be informed of its effects (some good, some bad) on those who were an integral part of our lives; the heartbreaking reality of suicide — those left behind.

I would say there is a type of “duality” in death; it’s either a “gift” that allows us to re-evaluate our lives for the better and allows one to search out its lessons; or you allow it to swallow you into its darkness.  I often say that grief is a raging river; you have to get into it and let it flow all around you, rather than fighting the current which will suck you under.

I have chosen to take my experiences as a young suicide widow and give them a purpose.  From the massive outpouring my community provided to me and my boys rose my conviction to serve and honor young widows so that they, too, would feel less alone.  From a biblical standpoint, we are all called to serve widows.

In my own struggles to reach out and be vocal about my grief and the effects of suicide, I found there were not many resources that fit my trauma and loss.  Truth is, not many grief programs specifically deal with young widows and the complexities we face; typically the late spouse being the breadwinner of the family while the woman stays home to raise the family, or works less to support her husband’s career.  There are many struggles and a stigma that alienates many young widows and, even more so, young suicide widows.

In February, 2018, I founded my non-profit Widow’s Wish and it’s community of “Widow Thrive.”   I want my pain to have a purpose; my mess to have a message.  It is also my goal to launch a consulting company that assists businesses and schools regarding suicide and complicated loss, as well as becoming a published author and motivational speaker.

You can choose to THRIVE even in the midst of incredible loss and trauma. 

                                    ***************************

Mission Statement of Widow’s Wish

My goal is to be a type of “advocate” for young widows through our Widow’s Wish Foundation — a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit. I believe that supporting widows is a biblical, ethical and moral responsibility.  Remarkably, it is difficult to find an organization within a church or community that has a developed program to serve widows during their first year of loss, especially for young widows and their children.

It is the mission, duty and purpose of Widow’s Wish Foundation to address, educate, coordinate, and provide financial aid, relief, and support to widows aged 20-50 with children under the age of 18. It is our duty to help the widow families facing enormous obstacles, including illness, homelessness, hunger, poverty and tragedy.  It is our desire to enrich their lives with hope, strength, and joy.

It is our duty to be available when we are capable to provide comfort, financial assistance, food, clothing, payment for medical services, and general support for the widow and her family.  The Foundation will also support the widow families through special experiences, and special events.

It is also possible for people to donate directly to the Foundation via the Foundation’s website www.widowthrive.com.  Year-round fundraising will be done through social media and direct contact with individuals selected by the Board of Directors as potential donors.  The Foundation disposes its income through the decisions made by its Board of Directors, using a very specific application and selection process to vet the applicants.  A copy of the application is available at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZQS9YGtZec3SmJ072C_7Gojrh8QeovXKSOVQawGjWpGodTg/formResponse.  Expenses paid by the Foundation include, but are not limited to, equipment purchases and rentals, insurance premiums, attorney and CPA fees, website creation and maintaining, publications and brochures, business cards, social media advertising, and miscellaneous Board expenses.

Bobbi Mason Biography

In February, 2018 Bobbi launched her Widow Thrive Community and her non-profit, Widow’s Wish Foundation.  Some would say it is a noble cause but Bobbi feels it is more than that; it is an outlet to her grief and she feels it is her “calling” to be an ambassador to those suffering through the many levels/dynamics of traumatic loss.

Through Widow’s Wish Foundation and her Widow Thrive Facebook Community, Bobbi assists and supports other young widows with the enormous grief “dynamics” that a young widow faces, especially in their first year, post-loss.  Bobbi regularly arranges fundraiser benefits with venues to raise money for the young widows and their children who apply to receive aid from Bobbi’s Widow’s Wish Foundation.  Through her ability to receive discounts and services as a non-profit, Bobbi is able to raise significant funds for these families, many of whom did not have life insurance policies in place.  In addition, Widow’s Wish supplies other financial assistance in the form of meals, gift cards for gas, groceries and a Christmas gifting program, all within the first year of loss.

Bobbi regularly shares her story and is on a mission to encourage those grieving to speak their truth and share about their grief, especially traumatic loss.  Through her radio interviews and speaking engagements, Bobbi shares her trauma to encourage others to not cover up their stories of loss and to let others know there is an enlightened way to thrive through traumatic grief to find and awaken their faith, hope and to find peace.

In Bobbi’s “free time”, she is a franchisee fitness instructor for Jazzercise, Inc.  She has been a franchisee for 11 years.  Bobbi loves to motivate others to live a healthy lifestyle (spiritually and physically) and speaks openly about how her fitness career and love of exercise saved her from extreme despair and without the need for antidepressants after her husband’s death.  She is a mother to three (3) boys and is very active in her community.  Bobbi regularly volunteers her time at the boys’ schools and serves on the PTA and is a Band Booster Board President, regularly arranging fundraisers and outings for the band students, which include her two youngest sons who play the french horn and the flute.

Bobbi is as comfortable on stage as she is in the gym inspiring others.  She has aspirations to host a TedTalk within the next year and become a published author.  Bobbi’s desire is to spread her mission globally!  She would also love to appear on Oprah, work with Gabrielle Bernstein and collaborate with Michelle Steinke-Baumgard of One Fit Widow.

Do you have an inspiring story to tell which has resulted due to either your own suicide attempt or that of a loved one?

Would you like to share your story for Kelly’s KindaProud book, #EmergingProud through suicide? 

Please contact Kelly to find out how by contacting her at:  kelly@positivityprincess.com

When Rohini, from Pennsylvania, US, experienced ‘unusual symptoms’, she asked a stranger on a helpline; “Am I going mad?” This astute reply; “No sweetie, you are not going mad, you are having an awakening” changed her life forever. Ro now wants to spread awareness of spiritual awakening in order to help others who may also have gone through a process of falling apart, to know that this may actually be the start of you becoming who you truly are and living a joyful life. What a star she is!

This is Rohini’s inspiring story through trauma to #emergence…

A star is born

Does this subject resonate with your own experience? 

Would you like to share your story for Nicole’s KindaProud book, #EmergingProud through NOTES? 

Please contact us here to find out how. 

Have you dared to write your own ending? Are you ready to step into your power and ‘show up’, unashamedly, in order to give hope to others who might be struggling?

KindaProud needs YOU! Find out how to share your story of emergence through adversity here….

This is a not-for-profit project funded by the Missing Kind Charity. All proceeds from book sales will go to providing free books to hospital wards and mental health organisations in order to provide validation and a light of hope for those in darkness ❤

To find out more, or read the stories of these amazing faces who have emerged as being ‘Kinda Proud’ of their journey so far, CLICK HERE 

Dee from Maidstone in Kent has channeled the pain of her best friend’s suicide into campaigning for positive change in social housing law for vulnerable people, and we are Kinda Proud of her for all she has achieved! Dee tells us the tragic story that catalysed her passion…

So what does “My Side of Suicide” feel like?

Initially, 18 months ago, it felt “horrendous”. A rollercoaster of extreme “highs” and “lows”. How could I feel “high” in such a dark time? The answer being the peace I felt “knowing” my hun was in a better place; his pain was over. This would lift my spirits, though just for a short while, along with the many memories we had made together.

But the “lows” would soon find me crashing again, when alone. The very person most would say was the strongest they knew, wanting to scream, shout and cry, yet there was so much fear, alongside such powerful emotions. Fearing it may never stop, I would lay motionless on my bed, knowing it was one of those “wobbly” moments, which would soon subside, yet so very scarily draining.

So “My Side of” Suicide” 18 months on, is now being written by a different version of me, for no one need tell me I’ve changed, I feel it every day. This different me finding new ways, strategies, goals to get through each day. For those who die from Suicide, their pain is passed onto those loved ones left behind.

So what did “My Side of Suicide” do?

I joined my local SOBS group; such a blessing, connecting with those that “get” you. I became very aware of various emotions surrounding suicide; loss, guilt and anger being prevalent for others. I can remember people saying to me in the very early days I would become angry. I feel blessed yet again. No, never!!! Why would I? That’s my hun; never a cross word was exchanged in life either.

I started a Campaign, to fill that void that will never quite be filled, for I’d lost my hun, my soul friend.

On reflection, remembering vividly not wanting to be 5 minutes without him, I’ve come a long way 18 months on, yet there’s still a long way to go too. My better days are so, my bad days will always remain so, there is no doubt of this and something I have somewhat resigned myself to.

So I literally threw myself into my Campaign to try remain focused to bring about change for others. I had little expectations, and yet there have been some incredibly overwhelming outcomes, including my hun being at Downing Street, the details of which can be read in the Campaign links below.

Give Up Your Pets or Your Home?

In Loving Memory of John Chadwick 💕

On March 16th 2017, my world was turned upside down, etched in my heart forever. Since then I made a promise to myself, that I would not just accept this tragedy had happened, by just walking away and saying nothing at all…

My very best friend, my ‘hun’, John Chadwick, became a victim to suicide on this day, after being forced to choose between homelessness and giving up his beloved pets, Theo, Tinkerbell and their feline best friend Gizmo. I feel it’s therefore vital to give some insight into my hun’s life and struggles, and certainly how his furbabies had such a positive impact on his mental well-being; indeed they were the difference between his life and his death….

My hun was born in Salford, and he eventually walked out of his troubled life some 12 years ago and became street homeless in London for a couple of years. He was found wandering the streets by St Mungos Homeless Charity. They had assessed he was in a vulnerable state of mind, his physical well being having been affected too. He had become addicted to alcohol to survive living on the streets, to get through each day. St Mungos placed my hun into their care and later transferred him to a detox unit in Kent. From there, my hun was transferred to Kenward Trust, in Yalding, Kent, in 2007, a Drug and Alcohol Rehab. He completed a 6 month rehabilitation programme and later secured a tenancy with a private landlord in Maidstone, Kent.

I met my hun in 2008 and was so inspired by his story, I too became employed by Kenward Trust in 2010, and continue to work for them to date.

So my journey with my hun had begun, little did I realise the full impact of this until after his tragic death…

In 2009, my hun walked back into his life in Salford as his father had become ill. On his returned to Maidstone, those old feelings he thought he had faced in therapy came back and he relapsed heavily. He was detoxed and returned back to the community some 2 weeks later. My hun had left the gay clubbing scenes behind him in Manchester, and as I felt he needed a purpose, I got him a kitten called Gizmo. A couple of years later he acquired Theo and Tinkerbell, 2 Jack Russell cross puppies, and his family was complete, they were his furbabies.

My hun had a small close network of friends here in Maidstone, and would accompany my family for Christmas Dinner; he was part of our family. I was always aware that his Mental Health presented as a “quiet” condition, no one would really ever know just by speaking with him. He was a gentle and kind man and one of the most grounded people I knew, our 9 year friendship was so consistent. He was loved and respected by all that knew him.

The unconditional bond he had with his furbabies, Theo, Tinkerbell and Gizmo I cannot fully describe, it wouldn’t do it justice. When I reflect upon the memories no one can take from me, tears well instantly. His furbabies absolutely adored him as much as he did them; an unconditional love that cannot be fully expressed unless you had been there to experience. When I say we as his friends were not enough for my hun, it’s no reflection on us as people, my hun loved us all dearly, there is no doubt in my mind of this…but his furbabies were his everything…

My hun was later served with a section 21 at Christmas 2016, as the private landlord wanted to sell up. I knew then this wouldn’t end well, having worked in a housing related role, I knew he wouldn’t be able to take his furbabies to temporary accommodation and highly unlikely a permanent tenancy would allow them either. He was evicted on March 6th 2017 and after a meeting with the council he was placed in B & B. That was the last time my hun saw his furbabies and his mental well being deteriorated rapidly.

He was quickly offered a flat by the council on the 7th floor and where animals were not allowed. Their so called duty of care was to house him ,without looking at the bigger picture and the evidence provided regarding his previous homeless issues, addiction and the therapeutic benefits his furbabies gave him. He needed them to wake up to and go home to at the end of each day. They gave him a routine, were a great source of comfort, and impacted positively on his mental well-being. I advised the council that he wouldn’t survive without them. Theo and Tinkerbell had become distraught without him, and they were also sperated from their feline best friend Gizmo.

On March 16th 2017, my hun took a fatal overdose of prescription medication and alcohol at the B &B, after sending a goodbye text to myself and his best friend Shane, who was caring for Theo and Tinkerbell. My hun told us he loved us and would wait for us. This was also the anniversary of his mothers passing, someone he loved dearly.

I later started a Campaign calling for a Positive Pet Policy in Housing, I remembered thinking after my huns death; “what he’s dead and that’s that??!! Am I supposed to just walk away now?”

My campaign is not to proportion blame, it will not change what’s happened. But by keeping my hun’s memory alive, his tragic story may help prevent this happening again, becoming part of a much needed change for all. Suicide/mental health is a very misunderstood subject, one which many avoid to discuss, therefore leaving those who suffer, to do so in silence. Pets are proven to have therapeutic benefits impacting positively on physical and mental well being, particularly for those deemed as vulnerable, alone or homeless.

Since the Campaign really started to take off towards the end of last year, I have been truly overwhelmed by not only the response from the public, but various organisations and the media alike, who have assisted with pushing the Campaign forwards.

In July 2018 a New Pet Policy was implemented by my local Council as a direct result of my huns tragic death and my campaign. Those who are now facing homelessness are able to take their pets with them to temporary accommodation if the properties are suitable to do so. However, in terms of more long term tenancies being offered with pets by Private and Social Housing Landlords, my local Council’s hands would still remain somewhat tied.

But, I will continue to Campaign for other areas to make changes to their Pet Policies. I’m aware this is no easy feat and there is no miracle around the corner, but I do feel truly blessed that the change was first implemented with us here in Maidstone, where my hun’s life ended.

Please help me campaign to other areas by signing the petition link below and circulating both this and the New Pet Policy News Link to continue keeping this important message out there that pets are a vital source of well being for many and are part of the family.

Petition Link:

https://www.change.org/p/helen-grant-mp-introduce-pets-as-support-systems-for-the-more-vulnerable-members-of-society/u/21955552

New Pet Policy :

https://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/pet-owners-suicide-leads-to-policy-change-186708

About me:

I have worked in Social Care since I was 18. I have two daughters and 4 grandchildren.

I have been a Drug and Alcohol Worker with Kenward Trust, Yalding, Kent since December 2010.

🐾 Theo & Tinkerbell are rehomed together and their feline best friend Gizmo is with my daughter 🐾

Do you have an inspiring story to tell which has resulted due to either your own suicide attempt or that of a loved one?

Would you like to share your story for Kelly’s KindaProud book, #EmergingProud through suicide? 

Please contact Kelly to find out how by contacting her at:  kelly@positivityprincess.com

We’re SO delighted to have Dr Nicole Gruel (aka ‘The NOTES Coach’) from Australia spearheading our KindaProud book; #Emerging Proud through NOTES.

Here Nicole explains what ‘NOTES’ are, and why she’s so passionate about this project;

Read Nicole’s personal NOTE story and find out more about why she’s so passionate about this subject here: Introducing our KindaProud Rep for the #EmergingProud through ‘NOTES’ Pocket Book of Hope and Transformation

If you’d like to find out more about how you can share your story for Nicole’s KindaProud book, #EmergingProud through NOTES

Please contact us here 

Are you experiencing or have you experienced Spiritual Crisis / resonate with having had a spiritual emergence, or even just felt like you don’t fit into the world as it is?

A spiritual crisis or “spiritual emergence” is a turbulent period of spiritual opening and awakening that can become unmanageable for a person. People may experience psychological distress as a result.

Join us for the FREE *Emerging Kind Peer Support Group OXFORD Launch Event (Donations welcome on the day to cover costs)

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A PLACE 

Saturday 22nd September 2-5pm

At the Quaker Meeting House 43, St Giles Oxford

There will be a showing of the film:

An inspiring documentary that shows how people have successfully lived through spiritual crisis. We will then hold a Q+A and discussion circle on the topic after the film; feel free to come and watch, listen and share if you feel drawn to.

This event is hosted by Alan Foulkes, Oxford tEK Peer Group Facilitator, and Katie Mottram (#EmergingProud Founder) Find out more about the project here:
www.emergingproud.com/emergingkind

Following the Launch event Alan’s peer support group for people resonating with the subject will be established in Oxford. All attendees will be invited to register an interest in the group at the Launch, if they so wish.

*Emerging Kind is a group of people who have experienced spiritual crisis and have been extensively trained to arrange and facilitate peer support groups around the country for people experiencing spiritual emergence.

If you have any questions prior to the event please contact Alan Foulkes on foulkesalanm@gmail.com

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A PLACE 

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day 2018, but we can make EVERY day a day to provide hope to those who may be struggling…

Suicide is a subject close to the heart of our Kinda Proud Rep Kelly from both sides of the experience; both as a Survivor of a serious suicide attempt, and as the daughter of a loved one who took his own life. Here Kelly explains why spearheading our pocket book of hope: #Emerging Proud through Suicide is so important to her:

Read Kelly’s full story HERE

Does this subject resonate with your own experience? 

Would you like to share your story for Kelly’s KindaProud book, #EmergingProud through depression, anxiety and suicidality? 

Please contact Kelly to find out how by contacting her at:  kelly@positivityprincess.com

If you are struggling and need help, please talk to someone. You can find helplines and resources here:

International Association for Suicide Prevention

A few weeks ago Karina Simieli #Emerged Proud. I wanted to give her the opportunity to talk more about what she offers, as she’s been such a wonderful support to me on my journey to ‘awaken my Being’… She’s not one to speak out in loud self- promotion, but I think her gentle and authentic nature comes across beautifully here, I hope you can feel it too…

Karina offers a ‘sliding scale’ option for sessions (pay what you can). If you’d like to contact Karina to find out more about her work, here is how to get in touch;

Click here for Karina’s website

Karina’s Facebook page

Karina’s LinkedIn

Muchas gracias Karina for all you bring to the world! ❤