The event was organised to provide service users with testimonials from Experts by Experience on life after leaving hospital. Service users are more likely to believe someone who has had a similar experience rather than a mental health professional. There is growing evidence to support the effectiveness of peer support/mentoring.
It was a jam packed day, starting with Michael Humes’ Recovery Journey, discussions with both Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous and Raf Hamaizia’s Recovery Journey. Raf is now Cygnet’s Corporate Expert By Experience. Michael works as a Patient Reviewer amongst other commitments.
The event was organised by Rachel Kitten (Deputy Head Occupational Therapist for Blackheath & Lewisham) and Parece Bell (Meridian Assistant Psychologist) with the input of Meridian service users. There were delicious sandwiches (care of M&S) and cakes baked by Meridian service users on offer.
It was heartening to see that this event was well attended and that the experience had been a positive one for those in attendance. In the words of a service user from Meridian “It gave me hope for the future”.
A big thank you to all involved and looking forward to the next Peer Event, this time at Cygnet Lodge Lewisham.