A New Push

We’ve decided another “push” is needed on the 7 Days of Action front. Although Robert is home and Jack has been discharged from the ATU, things are happening less fast for the other dudes.  Every day, a new story emerges of another person being admitted to an ATU.

So, inspired by a Facebook post from Jackie Stillman (Robert’s mother) about how Robert’s personal hygiene was completely neglected during his time in the Unit, we will be running another series of 7 blog posts.

The difference this time is that they will focus on themes rather than having an individual’s story each day. That way we can focus on more than 7 people but also push the awful themes that have been, sadly, so consistent since people have been telling their experiences. It’s still a work in progress but we have seven subjects that we think would capture a wide range of experiences.

1. The Role Call of Dudes
2. “Treatment”
3. Exclusion of Family & Friends
4. Loss of Dignity, Self Respect & Autonomy (Including abuse of law designed to protect)
5. Institutionalism
6. Impact on Physical & Psychological Health
7. Post ATU Scars

We’re sure there are probably many other topics we could cover. We are not embedded to the seven mentioned above, so if anyone has any other suggestions, please let us know.

It seems, in order to get the best coverage we plan to hold the next 7 Days of Action in early September, after the holiday season has finished.

Between now and September we would like to capture as many stories as possible that illustrate the themes 1-7 above. If you can contribute your experiences in any way, please get in touch by email to ourstories@sevendaysofaction.net .We are quite happy to publish your stories anonymously if that is what you would prefer.

Please don’t forget to watch our campaign video documentary here

It’s time for those Ninja outfits again, we think…..