In our modern style of living and busyness, it is very easy to lose sight of where a friend or loved one is in their life. To misunderstand the journey they are on. To have little or no concept of what they are going through.
For those experiencing pain or personal challenges, reaching out to another can be extremely difficult.
This week, two high profile young twenty-somethings – Peaches Geldof, daughter of Sir Bob and the late Paula Yates (25) and Karyn Washington, founder of forbrowngirls.com (22) – were both found dead on 7th April and 8th April respectively. At the time of writing this blog, tests are still being carried out on Peaches and Karyn apparently committed suicide.
In my line of work with young people, I often rely on intuition to gauge if someone is in need of support. A listening ear, or by removing our own judgement of another, is usually all it takes to help that friend or loved one get back on track.
“As a woman, today and hereafter, I choose to express myself at my highest potential! That is my divine purpose and mission on this Earth.”
~ Patricia Foster McKenley, 8th March 2012
Performance at book launch of ‘Irki’ by Kadija George, at The Barbican. Photo: Rousha Browning / SABLE LitMag
Imagine how this world would be if as individual women, we decided to reach for our highest potential and operate from that place for as much of our lives as possible. Imagine if we tapped into our innate powers and energies daily.
I wrote the above quote for International Women’s Day in March. March is also reknowned for celebrating International Women’s Week and International Women’s Month. We are also celebrating Mothering Sunday or Mother’s Day on Sunday, March 30th in 2014, so lots of female energy to tap into and generate. Lots of magic and miracles to create.
So as a woman, how will you choose to express yourself and your positive, female energy today, this month, in March and for the rest of the year? It is our divine gift to share with our loved ones and the world.
MANY BLESSINGS,
Patricia Foster McKenley.
Patricia will be running Poetry Workshops, Self-Esteem Workshops for Young Women and Writing/Personal Development Workshops for Women during International Women’s Month. She’ll also be performing at various Poetry Readings throughout March. For bookings, contact:
+447956 476 547
Or
prfoster@hotmail.com
Please feel free to follow Patricia on Twitter @Ms_P_Foster
“When abuse is also emotional, psychological and verbal, as hard as it is, that is a crucial time to walk away. This is not love and no amount of repeated apologies, gifts or flowers makes it OK! ”
~ Patricia Foster
19/2/13
I was alighted to a video by one of my favourite artists, Jamaican singer Taurus Riley. The 2009 song ‘Start Anew’ depicts the emotionally charged dynamics of relationship abuse towards women.
He cleverly conveys very powerful words and a strong message for women currently in abusive relationships. Abuse in relationships can be mental or emotional, as well as physical.
The scars – emotional, mental or physical – can stay with some women for years, impacting on their lives, their choices and those around them.
I think it is also important for a man to speak out against abuse towards women in a relationship. This also reinforces the message and shows there are positive and progressive men who will not tolerate this behaviour and are making it clear they will not be covering up for their fellow men’s misdemeanours.
‘What about us men?’, I hear you cry. Yes, abuse against men does exist. This was recently highlighted in the dramatised physical abuse storyline between Coronation Street’s characters Tyrone Dobbs and his fiancé Kirsty Soames (portrayed by Alan Halsall and Natalie Gumede respectively). In July 2013, the wife of former motorcycle stunt rider Eddie Kidd was sentenced for physical abuse towards her husband.
Statistics show that in the UK, more women are likely to suffer relationship abuse than men.
A February 2013 online article in ‘Family Law Week’ contains findings from the survey ‘Focus on Violent Crime and Sexual Offences 2011/12’. The survey reveals “7% of women and 5% of men have suffered domestic abuse in the year 2011-2012. This equates to an estimated figure of 1.2 million female and 800,000 male victims. The article also defines relationship or domestic abuse as: “‘domestic abuse’ includes non-physical abuse, threats, force, sexual assault or stalking carried out by a current or former partner or other family member.”
Speaking from a woman’s point of view (I have unfortunately experienced relationship abuse), abuse against women in relationships can be as subtle as it is obvious.
Sometimes it may take a while to realise that what you are involved in is abuse. It may be easier for outsiders to say “why did you go there?”. Instead, I believe understanding, support and perhaps refuge should be offered to the abused, so they have time to heal and grow stronger.
It is important as well for parents and guardians to empower girls and young women with the tools and positive, mental attitude to steer them along the path towards supportive, loving relationships. These seeds can be planted early on by demonstrating and exposing them to positive, loving examples of relationships in the home as well as through the media. Also imparting them with the wisdom and knowledge as to how they inform others the way they wish to be treated as a girl/young woman/female. One of the modules I recently co-delivered on a six-week course entitled ‘The Virtue Programme’ covered exactly this notion of communicating with others how we wish to be treated and how we want others to engage with us.
Of course, this is easier said than done. If the intention at the onset is to prepare young girls for future relationships, then over time and with practice, empowering our young girls with inner-strengthening tools and messages will become easier. I would also add that it is important while delivering these messages the importance of painting men in a positive light as opposed to misogynistic monsters.
Relationship abuse is within the underbelly of our community and comes in many guises. Abuse, any type of abusive, should not be tolerated on any level whatsoever.
Delivering my workshop ‘Return to Princess, Wonder Woman & Goddess’ In Kingston, Jamaica, November 2013. Photo: Denise Henry
The Every Woman Inspired (EWI) Expo was an opportunity I felt I couldn’t ignore. EWI 2013 allowed me to work alongside and spend quality time with some remarkable women: Rasheda ‘Ginger’ Malcolm, Patricia McKenzie-Thomas and Marcia ‘Culture’ Gordon. These generous, humble, beautiful yet incredibly powerful women created an event that provided me with a life changing experience; the type that is etched in your memory for the rest of your life!
Marcia ‘Culture’ Gordon, Patricia McKenzie-Thomas and Rasheda ‘Ginger’ Malcolm, at the opening of ‘Every Woman Inspired’ Expo
I had the opportunity to deliver my workshop entitled ‘The Return To Princess, Wonder Woman & Goddess
~ Exploring The Powerful Female Within Us’. This was a writing and personal development workshop which produced phenomenal results. I also recited some of my published poetry at the launch/opening event of ‘Every Woman Inspired’.
Photo: Denise Henry
Photo: Patricia Foster
Reading poetry at the ‘Every Woman Inspired’ launched reception. Photo: Denise Henry
Additionally I, alongside other facilitators and attendees, was interviewed live on Power 106 FM Radio.
Photo: Rasheda Malcolm
I also performed to a receptive audience at the EWI Gala Dinner and Dance, alongside the likes of international reggae singer Sharon Tucker. There were also powerful performances of poetry.
Sharon Tucker
Poet Abena Bedeau
The expo also attracted the likes of the current Miss Jamaica UK Gemma Feare, a remarkable, talented and very inspirational young woman who delivered a powerful keynote speech.
Miss Jamaica UK 2013 Gemma Feare
Miss Jamaica UK 2013 Gemma Feare
The attendees and participants were also treated to exceptional workshops:
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), by phenomenal Specialist Midwife and Perineal Health expert Denise Henry
Denise Henry
‘Thriving at Twenty! Transformed at Thirty! Fabulous at Forty! Fulfilled at Fifty! Still Sexy at Sixty’ Workshop, by Marcia ‘Culture’ Gordon. Amazing and Inspirational.
Marcia ‘Culture’ Gordon delivering her workshop
Career and CV Workshop by Nadine Chambers-Goss. Career specialist and coach extraordinaire!
A full Jamaican breakfast slowly digesting in my tummy. The tropical rainfall has stopped and the sun is now doing what it is meant to be doing. Yay!
I am here now in Montego Bay, Jamaica, preparing to head to Kingston for what aims to be a fabulous three day expo: The ‘Every Woman Inspired’ Expo, 22-24 November 2013, Alhambra Inn & Restaurant, Kingston, Jamaica.
I also found out I will be appearing live on Jamaican radio – RJR Radio – to promote the workshop I’ll be running at the expo.
TONIGHT midnight-2am GMT I’ll be a guest on Wild Talk Radio Show @WildeTalk , being interviewed by the delightful Ginja and Culture. We’ll be discussing my Workshop in Kingston Jamaica at the Every Woman Inspired Expo, 22nd-24th November, 2013. The Expo will be held at Alhambra Inn & Restaurant, Kingston, Jamaica.
Listen to Omega Radio 104.1FM www.omegafmradio.co.uk
The show will be broadcast live, midnight – 2am GMT Friday 1st/ Saturday 2nd November.
Saturday 26th October 2013 was the night before the clocks went back in The UK. As a poet, it was also a night that will stay etched in my memory for a very long time, as I had the honour and pleasure of sharing the stage with the legendary, incredible, Queen of Lovers Rock Janet Kay.
Also on the bill was Superstar, award winning poet, singer-song writer and actress OneNess.
The purpose of the night was to raise funds for the unique, personal development programme for girls aged 13-16, The Virtue Programme. As well as performing my own set of poetry, I also had the honour of giving a presentation about the programme, of which I am one of the workshop facilitators.
It was difficult not to be star struck in the presence of Janet, but being the humble person she is, she was warm, open and down to earth. Her stage presence is enormous, but she rocked the stage and equally had all of the attendees – the majority women – rocking at their tables.
OneNess wowed the audience with her powerful spoken word, singing and guitar playing. Her words definitely had a positive impact on the young women and girls in the audience.
The night was finished off by all the performers (including Janet Kay) and audience members, doing the Electric Slide to Candy, by Cameo.
The next instalment of the The Virtue Programme will be soon
For further information, email: virtue@finalcalltoaction.com
Or call 07508 790 171.
Don’t miss this great opportunity of a life changing, high impact six week self-development experience for girls aged 13 – 16!
THE EDUTAINMENT PALACE
1-5 Hinton Road
SE24 0HJ London
United Kingdom
The Crowning Event of Black History Month
Visit us on Facebook http://goo.gl/qmSz6U
Please share this event on Facebook and Twitter
UK Elevated Entertainment:
Contact 07508 790 171
The past week – Saturday 19th October to Saturday 26th October 2013 – has been incredibly busy for me, as well as positive, productive and life affirming. Poetry performances, a women’s expo, a film launch, teaching and training and being interviewed.
Today, this wonderful week culminates in my performance at the fundraising event ‘Ladies Night’, where I will be sharing the stage with Queen of Lovers Rock Janet Kay, Mistri and OneNess. This event is to increase awareness of and raise funds for the very important ‘Virtue Programme’, a fantastic personal development programme for 13-16 year old girls.
I am also a facilitator on The Virtue Programme and cannot speak highly enough about it. At the end of this six week project, young, confident, empowered women, destined to be future leaders, will emerge.
There are a few tickets available for this event, including a 2 or more for £15 each ticket offer. Follow the link at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/8852685621/efbbt
“I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.”
~ Albert Einstein
Photo: Giorgis Media
Photo: Celile Stille
Teaching, Training and Coaching – the connection from my soul to the Universe. My gift to all. I love what I do and enjoy doing what I love! This quote by Albert Einstein probably explains why I love to create the best learning environment for my learners, of all ages and abilities!
My approach to education is unique, empathic, holistic, creative and empowering. My aim is to empower individuals of all ages and sections of the community, to be the best person they can be. To guide them to uncover their own inner tools and gifts to succeed in life. To help improve their lives and wellbeing through poetry, writing, creativity, multi media, coaching, consultancy and holistic health & nutrition advice.
I am available for poetry workshops, as well as creative, multi media, personal development and wellbeing workshops, in any establishment – the more unusual, the better! I can also provide consultancy or guide you through the steps to set up your community multi media project.
If you require an internationally recognised professional poet for:
Primary or Secondary Schools
PSHE Classes
Assemblies
Black History Month
National Poetry Day
World Book Day
International Women’s Day
Residencies
Interactive or Traditional Storytelling
Corporate Training Days
Team Building Events
Workshops with Senior Citizens
Workshops in Youth and Community Groups
Workshops on Bullying
Workshops in Pupil Referal Units (PRUs)
Workshops in Libraries
Workshops in Prisons
contact me and I’ll guarantee a stimulating, positive and engaging session.
Check out the rest of my site to find out what other training and education services I can provide.
I am really pleased to share with you that the film version of my poem ‘Lips’, which tackles the theme of teenage bullying, has been released. It is uncanny how it has been released at a time when bullying and in particular cyber bullying, has been in the news of late; not just here in the UK but world wide.
It has been quite emotional for me to see my poem brought to life on film, by the amazingly talented Mellow 9 Productions http://www.mellow9productions.co.uk/. The journey from poem idea – first developed in a Malika’s Poetry Kitchen Friday session – to film has been eleven years. The topic of bullying and identity being relevant then as it is now.
This film also couldn’t have been brought to life in such a magnificent way, without the superb young female actors – who were so serendipitously cast – provided by The Girls Friendly Society of England and Wales (GFS Platform Islington Project). https://girlsfriendlysociety.org.uk/group-finder/islington/ Located in the London borough of Islington, this wonderful project delivers a wide range of exciting activities, workshops and events for young women aged 11 to 19, to widen their horizons, encourage debates and boost confidence and aspirations. Learn more about The Girls Friendly Society of England and Wales (GFS) and the wonderful they do nationwide, by visiting https://girlsfriendlysociety.org.uk
It was an absolute pleasure to work with such a brilliant cast and crew.
I currently use my film ‘Lips’ within self esteem, personal development and anti-bullying Workshops and so far have used in Workshops in Jamaica, The Netherlands and universities, youth centres and community organisations in the UK.
Poetry and Poppadums feat. PHIL NICHOLwith special guest PATRICIA FOSTER MCKENLEYDate: 16th July 2021 Time: Doors open at 6.30pm, show starts at 8pmTicket price: £6Entry Requirements: All welcomeLocation: Karamel London, N22 Click to Book Tickets Collage Arts present Poetry and Poppadums, featuring.. PHIL NICHOL WINNER OF THE EDINBURGH (Perrier) COMEDY AWARD’Capable of delivering everything from a […]
Join The University of Westminster for the last event in our ‘Creativity’ month where we welcome poet, performer and life coach Patricia Foster McKenley to discuss the Power of Writing. Poet, performer and life coach Patricia Foster McKenley, who at the intersection of being Black, a woman, Christian, over fifty years of age and British […]
Between 9th and 14th of January 2017, I can safely say I had one of the most life changing experiences during my existence on this Earth. Late evening of the 8th of January, after a delayed flight, Banjul in Gambia embraced me with open arms, as I visited West Africa for the first time in my […]
As a young child and teenager, I was bullied. As an adult, I have been bullied. These experiences prompted me to write my poem ‘Lips’. I recently had the poem ‘Lips’ skilfully made into a film by the brilliant Mellow 9 Productions. So thankful for this. The poem and film focuses on the traumatic […]
I’m delighted to share that I will be reading poetry at Ilkley Literature Festival on Sunday 14 October 2018. I’ll be sharing the stage with Maya Chowdhry, Nick Makoha and Rishi Dastidar to promote the new anthology Filigree: Contemporary Black British Poetry, which we will all be published in. Edited by Nii Parkes and Inscribe […]
“As a woman, today and hereafter, I choose to express myself at my highest potential! That is my divine purpose and mission on this Earth.”~ Patricia Foster McKenley, 8th March 2012 Imagine how this world would be if as individual women, we decided to reach for our highest potential and operate from that […]
‘At The Inkwell London’ Christmas Special! Thursday December 15th 2016 Counter Albion Café, 45 Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, London E2 7DJ. Map Doors: 6:30pm. Show 7-9pm There has been a slight change to our lineup! Featuring: Abby Ladbrooke, Cath Drake, Jude Cowan Montague and Jane Grell FREE! Open mic too! Literary feast of writers served up […]
The UK celebrates Black History Month in October and I would love to share what I’ll be up to this month. This Wednesday 19th October 2016, I’ll be delivering a poetry workshop for Black History Month. My workshop will be part of the University of West London Students’ Union (UWLSU) Black Histoy Month programme. I […]
Good Day To You All, I hope you are enjoying the sunny, autumnal afternoon (if in London). Thank you to ALL who read, came down and supported At The Inkwell London last month. Just over a week to go now, until our next At The Inkwell London on Thursday 20th October, where we’ll celebrate and […]
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