UOK Partnership Lead – East Sussex
About me: My role for UOK is as Partnership Lead for East Sussex. As the lead provider for the East Sussex Mental Health Support Services contract, Southdown is committed to building and maintaining strong partnerships across the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector as well as having strong links with statutory partners across the health and social care sector. I work to develop and manage these partnerships as well as act as the main point of contact between the commissioners for services and the providers of services.
Why mental health and wellbeing are important to you as a cause?
Having previously worked in the homelessness sector, mainly in frontline services, I worked with, and supported many people with substance misuse issues and mental health problems. It was mental health that really grew as a passion for me, and I have seen the amazing progress made over the last 20 years that I have worked in specialised mental health organisations. Mental health is spoken about and understood far more than it was and the development not only of mental health services, but also wellbeing services, has been amazing. But there is still much to be done. I have seen the positive impact community wellbeing services have had on people’s lives. Not only people living with long term mental health problems, but also those vulnerable to developing mental health problems due to social circumstances and trauma due to adverse life events. Like everyone, I also know people for whom poor mental health has had a significant impact on their lives. I’ve lost a close friend to suicide and seen lives ruined by not having access to support when it is needed in ways that are accessible. But I have also seen amazing journeys of recovery and lives saved and enriched through good services, peer support and professional delivery. It is the need for the right services to be available at the right time in the right place for each individual that drives me in my work.
A quote / tip / personal reasoning that helps you better manage your mental health and wellbeing.
There are as many ways to support mental and emotional wellbeing as there are people! Our wellbeing is so personal, and one size will never fit all. For me, I need to get outdoors as much as possible. Whether that is walking with my family (and the dog!), watching my children play sports or simply sitting in the garden or somewhere with a view.
The outdoors and nature instantly lift me!