From tragedy to hope and mental wellbeing

The tragic story of Ashok Ali will be told at the next meeting of the Monega Area Residents Association in Forest Gate.

From a happy childhood and teenage years full of life and spirit, to the tragedy of his untimely death, his story will be told in a photographic presentation given by his sister Shofa Miah.

It is a story rich in joy but tinged with sadness. Ashok’s death was the spark in forming Ashok’s Vision, a children and young people’s charity. The follow up talk covers the work undertaken by Talking Therapies who have a unit based along Katherine Road.

The Newham based NHS service will cover what they do to support mental wellbeing, and the events and workshops planned during Mental Health Awareness week and beyond.

The meeting starts with the AGM of the Monega RA which will feature a run through of issues of the last year.

Bob Rush, Chair of the Association, says that resident associations have become the cinderellas of community involvement, but that organisations such as Monega RA, the Plashet Park Neighbourhood RA and others deliver their responsibilities day in day out. He said he welcomed as many people as possible to the event which will be at the Hope, 5-7 Stafford Road, E7 (off Katherine Rd) on Thursday 11 May, 7.30. Free entry.