I have just begun working for Bucks Mind, as the Time to Change Bucks Hub Coordinator. This is a great job because it involves campaigning for a better understanding of mental health in the public sphere. It’s a social movement, to end stigma and discrimination and promote visibility and audibility of mental health issues.

I’m trying to more ‘Champions’ (or people who have lived experience of mental health), who want to change how people think and act about mental health. Being a Champion is fun, flexible and empowering, you get to meet like-minded people and run your own events. There is a special ‘Champions Fund’, to pay for activities and events that you and your fellow Champions organise. I help and support you to do this. You can do as much or as little as you like or have time for. Suggestions for events: BBQ, reading group, art workshop, afternoon tea, coffee morning, craft group, write-a-thon, sports, walking group, cycling get-together, cooking, picnic, and the list goes on… These events are open to people with mental health issues, and also people who don’t. We want to invite the public to our events, so we can tell our stories, show them what mental health is, and change stigma and discrimination.

I am here to support you in your efforts to promote a new understanding about mental health and change public opinion, for the better. If you want to share your recovery story, or if you don’t, you will be equally supported in your efforts to join and advance our mutual campaign. Your lived experience, in all cases, is crucial and important. We need you. The world needs you.

For more information about becoming a Champion, or to have a chat, you can email me any time at lorna.collins@bucksmind.org.uk, in the first instance.

Hoping to hear from you.