ONE YEAR LATER   It is now one year since my son moved out so it's a good time to reflect. While I can't really speak for him I'm sure it's been a real year of change – into adulthood and responsibility. The physical distance between us (it takes a bit of planning to meet up) means any dependence on me that he did have would never have lasted long. So he's been very much on his own. On the housing front it's been a rollercoaster – being kicked out of his first place without a word to his face, spending the winter in his mum's shed, before finding a room in a shared flat (which seems to be working out). On the work front he's lasted a whole year. I'm proud of his commitment – it's hard, physical labour on the minimum wage, 8 till 5. He wants more variety in his work. I hope this happens and he sticks it out. On the social front he's really embraced Bristol, maybe too much! He goes out a lot, has plenty of mates and is seeing a nice girl. While on the music front his band are set to return after a few months off to play the Academy. His other music projects continue. He's not expecting to make a living from his music any time soon but with his talent and enthusiasm I wouldn't rule it out.   So while my son has quickly and happily adapted to his new life I turn to myself. This last year feels like it's been a series of tests and challenges. A few weeks after my son moved out I was emotionally blackmailed into taking in a lodger. Easy it wasn't. Once he'd left there was the issue of my son's eviction and the subsequent family fall out. I've had a few near miss/if only relationships that could've been different. There's been a milestone birthday! The biggest challenge is the unfolding closing of my worksite and wondering about its many personal implications as well as the feeling of deep, deep sadness that such a fantastic place will be lost forever. Plus the facing of the reality of living under a Tory government and the terrible memories brought back of the last one. And even earlier today my uncle taking great pleasure in telling me my beard makes me look 50. Perhaps this beard symbolises a letting go, a drift down life's unpredictable currents. Above it all I survive and remain positive. Do I miss my son? Of course. I often think of what he'd be doing if he was at home. It really feels good when we do meet up (average of once a week) and we speak about once a week too. I feel that he is living life with the freedom he should, no doubt learning a few lessons on the way. What more can you ask for?

ELECTION THOUGHTS, LAWRENCE WESTON COLLEGE CLOSURE AND CUTS TO COME!   This blog is a metaphorical call to arms! With election fever upon us we have to try and look beyond the hype, false promises and lies. How will the election affect single parents? This is not an attempt to say one party is better than another. Broadly speaking I wouldn't argue with the basic division of the 'progressive' parties of Labour, Liberal Democrats, Green, Respect, Sinn Fein, SNP and Plaid Cymru being sympathetic and supportive of single parents while the likes of the Conservatives, UKIP and BNP will tend to pass judgement and even victimise. The main issue is that whoever gains power will be faced with a capitalist/economic crisis and seriously cut public spending. Details have mainly been hidden. A more progressive government should mostly safeguard those on low income or benefits. Who knows how bad things will get?   I have experienced the brutality of cuts first hand in the last couple of months. My main workplace is the Lawrence Weston site of the City of Bristol College. It's a truly amazing place. Students with learning and physical disabilities mix with a range of other users to create something special. A lot of single parents do literacy, numeracy, IT and ready for work courses there. But when something that is so vital and so human comes up against short-term profit-driven economics guess what wins? Pretty much every time. So cuts are made in education and this is passed onto the college. The management in their brand new shiny buildings have a meeting with their prawn sandwiches and cappuccinos and decide where to wield the axe. They think old building? Disabled students? Single parents? A neglected area like Lawrence Weston on the edge of Bristol? Easy! Next! So a huge impact is made on many lives.   What can be done when the promised cuts arrive? This will need to be a season of action. The British, unlike the French, Irish or Greeks, tend to be polite and half-hearted in their opposition. Traditional methods of action such as petitions, demonstrations, letter writing, protests, lobbying plus all the new internet stuff will be called upon. Single parents need to protect their gains in recent years. This is when an organisation like SPAN is so important – both able to advice and reassure on the one hand while trying to influence the hands on the levers of power on the other. To quote Bobby Sands:    'Everyone has their own particular part to play. No part is too great or too small. No one is too old or too young to do something.'   Finally on the subject of Lawrence Weston college there's an epetition for the public to sign at www.tinyurl.com/lwpetition. Thanks.