Together, UK Mental Health Charity working alongside each person with mental health issues on their journey towards greater wellbeing. Trusted experts in service user involvement
‘The staff are kind – like a big family. They listen to me. They’re on my side.’
Voices of experience: our spokespeople
Together believes that the best way to educate others about what it's like to live with a mental health issue, and to tackle the prejudice and stigma that surrounds the topic, is to create more opportunities for people with direct experience to share their experiences publically.
Our fully trained Voices of Experience team have all been supported by Together, and are happy to support journalists seeking personal insights into what it is like to live with a mental health issue. If you are a member of the media and you would like talk with any of the people below, please contact Claire Monger on 0207 780 7366 or 07894 194 010.
Matthew Hyndman, Manchester: "I would like to share my story because I think there are not enough young men sharing their stories about issues with mental health, and I think it needs to be told. To help people who may be in a similar situation see there that is a way back from the brink."
Jagadish Jha, Newham, London: "There is always something going on in your local area, so my advice is to get out and try and find it, or volunteer to do something. Something to do that you enjoy, where you interact or are helping others."
Sandra Robinson, Barnet, London: "I would say to anyone suffering through any form of mental distress to have the courage to try different things; take every ounce of help that’s offered to you, and don’t give up if it doesn’t work at first in making you feel better."
John Sydes, Hastings: "The darkness can be all-consuming, but you have to tell yourself it won’t last forever."
Adam Barrett, Hertfordshire: "The more I’ve volunteered, the more confident I’ve become, and I now feel more able to stand up for my rights and have a say in where I go and what I do with my life."
Mike Prentice, Essex: "My advice to others is ‘there is life after death’. Have confidence and strength in yourself."
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