I am a freelance consultant and training facilitator in the field of mental health and associated services.
My journey into this area of work has been informed by many years working in the NHS, which led to attaining an MSc in Mental Health Recovery and Social Inclusion. Most importantly, it is my personal experience of being unwell and navigating mental health services that drive my passion for change in this sector.
My approach
I can confidently and proudly state that I have made changes to medical disciplines that have reduced demands on public spending. Key to this approach is promoting, educating and facilitating awareness of what it's like to be in that system, as well as working on solutions for change and supporting creative approaches to recovery.
I found my own creativity by chance: I started drawing in December 2011 after reaching a crisis point in my mental health and being told that I would always be "ill, medicated and never work again" by a "professional" who was in charge of my care. I started painting soon after and now use art to free my mind and support my wellbeing. Having discovered a previously hidden talent, I can only now fully appreciate the true therapeutic power of creativity.
All of the above is underpinned by the following convictions:
Recovery in mental health does not necessarily mean recovered.
Recovery will mean different things to different people, hence the message should focus on living the best life we can, today.
This may sometimes mean living with the labels or being medicated but it never means giving up; just trying again tomorrow.
