Personal story by Jake

“I have worked within Mental Health for thirteen years now, and for the majority of my career I have worked within the NHS on in-patient units. I have worked for Community Options in a registered care home for six years.  I not only work as a member of staff within the mental health profession. I am also a user of the services. I always enjoyed working in the caring profession so when I was diagnosed with a mental illness myself it strengthened my resolve to work in this field and to try and make a difference. 

I have endeavoured to learn from my negative experiences as a patient to help me grow and enhance my working practice. I feel there is a duality to my role, I can see both aspects from staff to service user. The service users I work with appreciate my honesty, feeling that we are on an equal level. Without even needing to disclose that I am a service user, the people I work with are able to see that I have understanding through shared experiences.

I can now work in a caring role that I find rewarding, and keep my principles intact.”

• Personalisation (short film)

  

• Making a difference (short film)

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