Why On Earth Do You Bother?

“Why on earth do you bother? You don't even get paid.” This is something which has been said to me a lot this past year when I talk about my Activist role, and it has meant that I have actually sat back and considered my motivation, thought about what I think being an Activist can achieve, and equally importantly what it does for me.

The Activist in me was always there to fight the cause for the underdog. Ever since I was a child I'd be defending someone or something against something which I perceived as unfair. I struggle to accept injustice and quite simply it is my motivation to be an Active player within both RETHINK and the Time to Change initiative tackling what I know to be shocking ' Injustice', overwhelming 'Unfairness' and startling 'Inequality' encountered by people experiencing issues around their Mental wellbeing.
It shouldn't surprise you to find that Activism has aided my own Recovery. It's empowering, it's 'standing up', it's 'saying no' and it's 'defying' the very powerful systems which would see the people with a diagnosis similar to mine stigmatised and discriminated without legal recourse.

Being involved with some of the Time to Change events was exciting, we were out there talking about our experiences with members of the public, politicians and the press. I've never been great a speaking to groups ,but now it's as normal as putting on my lipstick. Having my photograph taken was something I hated, now it's something I hardly notice happening. My confidence levels have soared because I feel as if I am part of change, a very minor player but with a significant part in a revolution within Mental Health.

RETHINK's political campaigns, in particular 'The Bradley Review Into Diversion Within The Criminal Justice System', stimulated my passion for fair treatment for Mentally Disordered Offenders (a nasty term, but all the same a legal term which encompasses both learning disabilities and mental health). Being consulted at the onset of the process was a powerful way for me to find closure around my own experience of the Criminal Justice System, both as a serving Police Officer and as a Mentally Disordered Offender. It was both a hugely important political process, but a personally healing experience. It has aided my Recovery! I no longer wear my experiences as a blanket of shame.

Being part of RETHINK's Public Affairs Committee and their Regional Committee involves consultation with Service Users and Carers, we are actively part of the decision making process for the organisation. For me this has improved my confidence, I feel valued and I have never left thinking that my voice has not been heard (and I do leave my megaphone at home!), or that my opinions do not count in any way! I've met some amazing people, heard stories which have left me feeling shocked to the core, and listened to people bravely speak up to Politicians, telling harrowing stories, which has left me feeling both humbled and honoured to have met them. Everyone I've met will tell you something similar to me, that they take the risk, they put their best foot forward, and they speak out because they believe that change is necessary but more importantly actually possible.

Time to Change, and RETHINK needs Activists, they need YOU and I like to think they still need ME. Together we can sew the seeds of change, develop and encourage “fellowship” (which is a quality valued so much by Carer's and Service User's using RETHINK services.) As part of the bigger picture – we really can, by our actions, stories and input become part of a Mental Health revolution which may well see future generations of people who receive a diagnosis of a Mental Illness treated as equally and normally by society, as if they'd been told they had diabetes or arthritis.