Simon Bradstreet
Simon Bradstreet is the Director of the Scottish Recovery Network.
Our vision was that mental health should move from the margins to the mainstream by helping people understand that we all have mental health, as well as a role to play in supporting the inclusion and recovery of those who experience problems.
Taking a ‘network’ approach to promoting recovery for people who experience mental health problems has meant that our aims and objectives have been largely met in my opinion. There is always more to do but the drive and enthusiasm of people around Scotland with a commitment to recovery has led to really significant changes in the way we see and respond to mental health issues.
I’m inspired almost every day by the strength, creativity and courage of people in recovery, many of whom have shared their personal story with the Network to promote hope for people seeking recovery. There are a few people in particular who have inspired me in this way but I wouldn’t want to embarrass them by naming them here! It’s also been heartening how recovery has united people with experience of mental health problems, families and carers and service providers around a common and positive purpose.
There have been frustrations over the last few years, including our limited ability to get the recovery message to everyone in Scotland who needs to hear it, but I prefer to focus on what’s strong rather than what’s wrong.
A mentally flourishing Scotland is one populated by people confident in their ability to maintain their own mental health and wellbeing. In this Scotland difference is celebrated, discrimination is not tolerated and we all share a collective drive to promote the recovery and inclusion of people who experience mental health problems.
Three most important actions:
- People in Scotland are now more willing to discuss all aspects of mental health. To really build on these gains I think we need to redouble our efforts around public communication. People in the public eye like Neil Lennon and Gail Porter talking openly about their experience of mental health issues can be a powerful opinion shifter, but we should complement this by encouraging a wider public debate about all aspects of mental health across Scottish communities
- Any high profile communication efforts must be complemented by real ‘grass roots’ activity in Scottish communities. In my area of work that means working really hard to support and encourage groups around Scotland to think about the positive steps they can take to promote recovery in their area
- Finally I’d love to see an even stronger commitment to mental health and wellbeing at the highest levels of Scottish Government. Mental health is an issue which crosses all policy areas – it quite simply affects all of us. That for me makes it an issue the First Minister should be championing.
Click here to find out how to get help now.
