UOK Partnership Lead – Brighton & Hove
About me: I’m Brooke, and I lead the UOK Brighton & Hove partnership. I manage the relationships and contracts with our partners and commissioners, and make sure we are promoting our service in the best way, so that people can find and access the right support at the right time.
Bringing voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations into the mental health system is more important than ever – and a big part of my role is making sure those connections are strong and that we’re all working together. I love being able to help shape something that feels more joined-up, more inclusive, and genuinely focused on what people need.
Why mental health and wellbeing are important to you as a cause?
Good mental health and wellbeing are especially important to me because not feeling your best can impact every part of your life. Both of my parents struggled with their mental health while I was growing up. None of us are immune, we can all have challenges at some point in our lives. Talk and share how you feel – there will always be someone willing to listen if you surround yourself with good people and reach out for help when you need it.
A quote / tip / personal reasoning that helps you better manage your mental health and wellbeing.
“Everything happens for a reason.”
Whenever I’m going through a tough time, whether it’s a setback, disappointment, or just feeling low I remind myself that these moments can be stepping stones to something better. It’s easy to fall into unhelpful patterns, but deep down, we usually know what will help us. For me, that means making time for things I enjoy like yoga, sea swimming, reading or spending time with friends and family.