March For Mental Health

After the sudden closure of Bootham Park hospital and therefore cuts to vital mental health services in York, Mental Health Action York (MHAY) was formed. Working side by side with the People’s Assembly we organised a successful march and rally on May the 14th to increase awareness and express public support for the reinstatement of mental health services which were so suddenly and cruelly taken.

The March got a wide press coverage including ITV Calendar and BBC look north. We had some great speakers including Len McCluskey and York Central MP Rachel Maskell who said “It is so important that we are standing up for not just the one in four people who experience mental health challenges, but the one in one who could be affected by them. It’s vital that we put this marker down today that we need quality mental health facilities in York.” Also Bob Adams, a founder member of MHAY and a retired consultant psychiatrist spoke out and said “York has been particularly hit with the closure of Bootham Park Hospital when we lost all of our adult beds at just five days’ notice. We want to raise attention to this and make sure that the residents of York have a say in how services are developed in the future. In my time I have seen the peak of mental health services and now the decline, which is very bad.”

As People’s Assembly we wanted to say thank you to everyone who made this possible and let’s keep up the good fight.

Unite Community to come to York!

Unite the union has established a national initiative called ‘Unite Community’. Unite Community will act as a union for the unemployed and the retired who cannot join most work unions. They will soon be setting up a branch in York to continue their work in giving a voice to those who are marginalised by society.

The Great York Sleep-in

On Thursday 16th July, approximately 60 people gathered in St Helen’s Square to protest about the anti-homeless bars installed on benches on Rougier Street, prior to Richard Bridge handing in a petition of 5,400 signatures calling for their removal.  People turned up with sleeping bags and blankets and at 5.30 and took over St Helen’s Square to stage a “sleep-in” and raise awareness of the issues faced by the rising number of homeless people in York.

Members of Unison were also protesting about cuts to Facility Time for union representatives working for the council, and once the sleep-in was over, York People’s Assembly joined this protest to show solidarity.

Rally links local and National Gallery issues

A crowd gathered outside York Art Gallery on Wednesday, 1st July, to mark one month until entry charges are introduced, and to welcome a striker from the National Gallery. PCS members at the gallery in London want to prevent privatisation of their jobs. The strike, now in its 45th day, has already secured a living wage for all staff. A brilliant £350 was raised for strike funds during the visit.

Meanwhile, York has seen a string of Arts issues in recent months. The new Council leadership have cancelled funding for the Guildhall digital media centre and the grass-roots Arts Barge project. Add to this the decision to charge up to £7.50 for visits to the local art gallery, and it’s clear that arts are being restricted to the most well-off.

Anti-homeless bars cause discomfort in York

Anti-homeless bars have appeared on benches at a bus stop in the city. The devices have been fitted to the benches on Rougier Street. A petition to have them removed has gained 2000 signatures, whilst the bars themselves have been given a bit of illicit decoration. Whatever you think of the decoration, the question is the right one. We’d encourage everyone to sign the petition here and we’ll try to keep you updated on the campaign.

Castlegate Campaign gains more time

Protesters gathered again outside the Council’s West Offices to protest the closure of 29 Castlegate and the decimation of support services for 16-25 year olds in our city. The current plans would eliminate the popular counselling service and reduce other services to 16-19 year olds only. We’re campaigning for a holistic service in a suitable venue instead.

Victory for Castlegate protest!

Around 40 people assembled to protest outside West Offices last night, ahead of a crucial council committee vote on the fate of the Castlegate Centre. The protest was covered by York Press, appearing as the main story on the home page. The decision will now go back to the council’s Cabinet, who must decide how to change course. It’s rare to hold a protest and get a victory so soon afterwards, and everyone involved deserves to celebrate. Let’s hope its the first of many!

Skip to ma’ loo my darling

The toilet dash has become a family tradition when visiting York city centre.  Especially since York City Council have closed their disabled toilets.  This frustrating facilities situation has been further antagonised by M&S and Fenwicks both choosing to update their disabled toilets at the same time.  Well done York planning, stunning. Group member Emily reports…

Council concedes moral flaws in budget

As reported in the York Press, York People’s Assembly delivered its verdict on the proposed city budget before the City Council’s cabinet meeting last night. It will put to a vote at Full Council on Thursday 27th February, when York People’s Assembly will hold a protest from 5.30pm in St Helen’s Square. We encourage everyone with concerns about council cutbacks to join us.

Group member Dr Chris Brace addressed the cabinet (see video below), delivering the message that the council should stop doing the Tory’s dirty work and reflect instead the wishes of those who voted them in.

Protests against York Council’s ‘Tory Cuts’ Budget

York Council’s Cabinet will meet to vote on their next budget. We’re calling a protest on Tuesday 11th at 5pm outside the Council’s West Offices (map: G), where the meeting will take place. We want to send a message to the Labour Council to stop implementing the Coalition Government’s cuts program. This isn’t what York people voted for. In fact, it plays straight from the script set by the Conservatives and Lib Dems in Westminster. We have two key opportunities to stand up for decent jobs and better services. If the budget goes forwards for voting at Full Council as planned, we shall again be protesting on Thursday 27th at 5.30pm outside the Mansion House, St Helen’s Square, near Betty’s (map: E).