Set in 1987, Precious, (based on the novel Push by Sapphire) is the kind of story that is rarely told. The central character, Claireece ‘Precious’ Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), is a sixteen year old girl born into a life no one would want. Precious is pregnant for the second time by her absent father. At home she’s forced to wait hand and foot on her mother (Mo’Nique), a poisonously angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. In between these horrors, she seeks refuge in colourful fantasies of fame or having a light skinned boyfriend. School is a place of chaos, and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and an awful secret: she can neither read nor write. Precious is offered the chance to transfer to an alternative school, Each One/Teach One. In the literacy workshop, taught by the patient yet firm Ms Rain (Paula Patton), Precious begins a journey that will lead her from darkness, pain and powerlessness to light, love and self-determination.

Sidibe gives a towering performance as the abused heroine and Mariah Carey is unrecognisable as a kindly social worker. But it is the stand out performance by US comedienne Mo’Nique as Precious’s utterly horrifying and odious mother that has swept audiences and Oscar glory to her side. A genuine and important phenomenon, Precious is an inspirational film that will move even the most hardened of hearts.

Precious is executive produced by Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry and stars Gabourey Sidibe, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey, Paula Patton and Mo’Nique.

AVAILABLE ON DVD AND ON BLU RAY FOR THE FIRST TIME FROM MAY 24
The film Precious has been on everyone’s lips during Awards season, and a phenomenal box office success in the U.S. 

For your chance to win a copy of Precious in DVD – Tell us your thoughts about how childhood sexual abuse is being dealt with in black and Asian communities.

Email: or write to The Colour of Health magazine, Precious, PO Box 4308, Sheffield, S11, 0DH 

 For your very own copy of Levi Roots Reggae Reggae Cookbook answer our competition question:

What is Levi Roots real name?

Answers by email to

By telephone: 01142676256

By post to: The Colour of Health magazine, Levi Roots Competition, PO Box 4308, Sheffield, S11 0DH 
* Competition ends 19th March 2010

For a chance to win Beverley Knight cosmetics we want to hear about your make up experiences!

Ø  Please tell us about your choice of cosmetics and whether they are available on the High Street.

Ø  Tell us if you are happy with the range available and what you think needs to happen, (if anything) to improve access to a wider range of cosmetics for darker skin types.

Ø  We would also like you to tell us why you would like to win K by Beverley Knight cosmetics.

To enter email your experiences to:

Or post them to: The Colour of Health magazine, Beverley Knight’s K Cosmetics Competition, PO Box 4308, Sheffield, S11 0DH

Competition ends 19 March 2010

23rd & 24th January 2010 Olympia, London 

The Diet & Fitness Show is offering lucky readers 10pairs of two-day passes (worth £20 a pair) for the Diet and Fitness Show! 

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO TO WIN is answer the following 2 questions:

1. What time does the event open on Saturday?

2. A Free programme will be available to download on our website, what isthe name of the web address? 

With New Years Resolutions on everyone’s mind in January, there has neverbeen a better time to discover the professional advice and motivation the Diet &Fitness Show has to offer.Words of wisdom and inspiration from top speakers like; Joanna Hall, Sandy Newbigging, Katie Abbot, will help you focus on your healthier new lifestyle. Come along and try – belly dancing and hula hooping as new fun ways of exercising, or come and speak to one of our experts and get the advice you need about a healthy vegan diet or ways to enjoy food with calorie or gluten free restrictions. 

Send your answers by 18^th January to The Colour of Health, PO Box 4308, Sheffield S11,  0DH email or Tel 0114 2676256

Competition ends18th January 2010