Help us protect our Crisis Line in Bristol! Earlier this month, Bristol Mental Health (BMH) announced the proposed closure of the crisis line from the end of November 2016. Some concerned users of the crisis line have expressed anxiety over the potential changes, sharing that they worry they would "lose a valuable service" that has helped them 'throughout the last eighteen months or so', approximately how long the line has been operational. With at least one in four people experiencing a mental health issue in their lifetime, now is the time for increased and clear mental health support that is easily accessible for all. We feel that there needs to be more improved signposting, with clear and easily accessible information available for people wanting to use mental health services and seek support. We want to ensure that any changes to the crisis line are in the best interests of those currently accessing services, and those that may access Bristol’s mental health services in the the future. We will be meeting with BMH and Bristol CCG on 9th September to discuss the crisis line further, and will also announce a date for an open meeting to get wider views in the near future. In the meantime, please join us in ensuring proper scrutiny of the future of our Crisis Line and spread the word of this vital campaign by signing and sharing this petition to show you are with us when we meet with them. If you want to get in touch about this campaign, or share your experience of using the Crisis Line, then please drop BIMHN Secretary, Tom, an email at: [email protected] References 1. BIMHN article breaking the story: http://bimhn.org.uk/news/bristol-crisis-line-closure/ 2. Bristol Cable article: https://thebristolcable.org/2016/08/mental-health-crisis-line-to-close-oh-wait/ 3. Second BMH Statement: http://bristolmentalhealth.org/news-and-events/bristol-mental-health-news/2016/august/statement-regarding-bmhs-crisis-line/ 4. Latest BIMHN statement and link to third statement from BMH: http://bimhn.org.uk/news/response-latest-crisis-line-statement/ 5. Updated BIMHN news article on the campaign, including latest statement from BMH: http://bimhn.org.uk/news/crisis-line-update/

The UK is a small country yet we do not manage to have an efficient communication system. Even in parts of London there is inadequate Broadband. Small businesses are trying to set up commercial interests without the ability to make a phone call. Broadband in most areas of the UK,, (as well as areas within 40minutes train journey from London) is at the level of a third world country. Surely supporting businesses outside the main cities should be a priority to achieve broader spread of wealth of the nation. I am setting up an internet business and often have to go out in the garden to get a better reception! This is not a unique experience. Many of my colleagues also confess they have to move to another room to get a better reception...is this how a modern country meets new technology?

Our hospital will become a cottage hospital, patients will be forced to travel to Sunderland for treatment putting lives at risk. Once the land is sold off it will be gone forever.

This hospital provides much needed bed space to help with bed blocking at Bournemouth and Poole Hospitals, it costs a lot less to keep a patient here than in a main hospital. Our community hospital has served the local area for decades, it was donated to the local community by the Americans at the end of WW2. It has provided rehabilitation treatment for hundreds to get back to their homes quicker than a longer stay in our main hospitals and so releasing hospital beds for more needy patients. This hospital is essential for stroke victims and other patients alike providing convalescent stay and clears vital beds in Poole and Bournemouth hospitals. My dear friend ( 93 years young) is in St Leonards Hospital at this moment and she totally amazed by the caring more personal treatment she is receiving, she was very sceptical of going in but is now loving it she burst into floods of tears when she heard of it's future. Closure of this hospital would be a disaster for the local community which in this part of Dorset is predominantly elderly who cannot protest themselves. We must not let this happen.

Encourage people, including children, to persue outdoor activities.

Because Slavisa Jokanovic is the best manager we have had in years, and he can take this club forward and back to the Premier league where we belong.

To allow the safe passage of innocent men, women and children out of Aleppo, cease the slaughter of innocent civilians and medical staff and allow crucial supplies to these beleaguered people. There are over 60 million refugees globally, people displaced by war and under constant and brutal attack. In my trips to the Jungle in Calais ( France) I met and heard some of the harrowing stories of many innocent and decent people and marvelled at some incredible feats of bravery. All of these stories affected me deeply, especially those concerning the children - hundreds of unaccompanied minors. We all deserve the right to a safe home. The number of displaced and traumatised individuals worldwide is a disgrace and Aleppo is rapidly adding to an already unmanageable crisis. I like many millions of others, want this to stop.

Leap Gate runs through two densely-populated family estates, Castle Mead and Paxcroft Mead, which are served by two primary schools. Since the new stretch of Leap Gate opened in June, HGVs, cars and motor bikes constantly exceed speed limits, putting the lives of residents and their children in danger. Motorists also regularly run the red lights at the Castle Mead pedestrian crossing, endangering the lives of those using it, most vulnerable of whom are children going to and from school during term time. Residents who walk their dogs along Leap Gate are also at risk as they are forced to cross the road in the 50mph zone to gain access to the open space as there is no footpath on the other side of the road. Residents' sleep is being disturbed by noise from the constant flow of traffic through the heart of the estate. Wiltshire Council has failed to adhere to their own Land at East Trowbridge Development Brief which says that potential traffic noise from the link road, Leap Gate, should be mitigated and is to have as little impact as possible on the residents of Castle Mead. Wiltshire Council has repeatedly been asked to extend the 30mph zone on Leap Gate in line with existing housing and to lower the speed limit on the remaining stretch to 40mph to discourage motorists speeding through the whole estate, but they refuse to listen to residents' concerns. Please consider signing our petition!

The last two Olympic rounds - China and the UK - saw enormous strides for differently-abled athletes, and those who admire them and draw strength from their example. When Brazil was awarded the Games, its economy was booming - now it's not. So far, Olympic athletes have not noticeably suffered from this downturn; why should Paralympic athletes suffer? Surely the International Olympic Committee can stump up the money to make the Paralympics the success they should be, rather than a shadow of Rio's 2016 Olympics?

Arriva are planning major changes to services into Manchester without even bothering to ask passengers for their views. This is on top of increased fares and overcrowding. Sign this petition to stop Arriva in their tracks.

David Cameron announced we’ll welcome 20,000 more Syrian refugees. But there’s a catch. This will take 5 years, leaving thousands of refugees in limbo. It’s now up to us to show that in cities, towns and villages all across the country we’re ready to welcome people now. Aylan, the toddler who drowned fleeing Syria, was just three years old. His town was under attack by Isis. His five year old brother and his mum also died trying to reach safety.We don't want Britain to be the kind of country that turns its back as people drown in their desperation to flee places like Syria. So let's stand up for Britain's long tradition of helping refugees fleeing war. Let's show the Prime Minister that we, the people of the UK, are proud to do our part and provide refuge to people in their hour of need. Please sign and share, or start your own petition for your town or city here: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/efforts/refugees-welcome

David Bowie had immeasurable creative influence and cultural impact. He was an outstanding artist, writer, composer, musician, actor, mime artist, with a unique artistic process which should be available to the public so he can continue to inspire generations to come. There is a great deal to be learned from him. As a great British icon we should acknowledge this by ensuring the public both nationally and globally can see and learn about his vast contribution to the artistic and creative world. Indeed, David Bowie was one of the most fascinating, talented individuals of this century, and possibly beyond.