paulette

This Thursday I’ll be taking part in a benefit gig in Wolverhampton. It’s got one simple aim: to raise money for Paulette Wilson, a grandmother living in Wolverhampton who’s currently under threat of deportation. If you don’t know anything about her case (and there’s no reason why you would) you can read all about it here.

Poets, prattlers, and pandemonialists is a collective of Wolverhampton poets, and when we heard about Paulette’s case we knew we had to do something to help. So we pulled together this benefit gig in double-quick time so we could offer her some practical, financial support before Xmas. The night will feature a whole slew of our friends, every one of whom gave an emphatic Yes when we asked if they’d be prepared to take part. They’re giving their time and their skill for free, the venue has waived the hire costs, and all we need now is for an audience to turn up, put their hands in their pockets (entry to the night is by donation) and let Paulette know her city stands with her.

There have been times recently where I’ve simply wanted to shut the world out. There’s so much bad news – wars, starving polar bears, anything involving Donald Trump – that I’ve found myself feeling overwhelmed. This benefit has reminded me of what we can do when we work together, how the small steps we take turn into something bigger.

If you’re in or around Wolverhampton on Thursday, drop in to the Clarendon Hotel on Chapel Ash. It doesn’t matter if you can’t stay all evening, just grab a seat and a beer and enjoy what’s going on, and throw some money in the bucket. And if you can’t make it, but would like to support Paulette, we’ve set up a Justgiving page where folk can donate to help her.

Because together we are stronger. And every little helps.