Working at the Centre has been an extraordinary experience, one that I am going to remember with more gratitude and fondness than I can convey here. As I travel through the rest of my career, I know I am better for this apprenticeship with the best in the sector.
When I stepped into this role six years ago I thought the world of policy was full of people who had no idea, who looked on with academic rigour but without hearts and minds. I had no idea what it took to get mental health on the political agenda.
Having seen it now in real time, I can see how research and data contributes to the golden triangle of influence, alongside lived experience and practice. Without these things working in concert, change doesn’t happen. Our unwavering commitment to equity and justice is paramount; it underpins every piece of work and conversation.
My time at the Centre has been just magic, and I'm going to miss everybody in my brilliant team a lot. But I am only going to be just around the corner at Mind.
One of my parting gifts to the Centre is a public plea to our friends to remember that we are small – yes, and mighty – but funding is important for our survival. Help sustain our fight for equality in mental health by donating this Christmas.
Wishing you all a wonderful festive period and great things in the year to come,
Our briefing explores the benefits and limitations of providing mental health support online, by telephone or through other means of remote technology. It finds that remote technology has the potential to increase access and choice in mental health care. But overreliance also risks exacerbating inequalities for people who are digitally excluded.
The emergence of experiential practice and leadership in mental health services
People with first-hand experience of mental ill-health have a unique perspective which can shape and improve services. But too often, their involvement has been patchy, tokenistic and paternalistic. David Gilbert explores how reframing patient leadership and lived experience practice as ‘Experiential Practice and Leadership’ could transform mental health services.
A vision for mental health, learning disabilities and autism services in 2032
Mental health, autism and learning disability services need to change. We've set out a vision for what these services could look like in ten years' time, with sufficient investment and a commitment to real, lasting change.
