Mind Christmas Appeal – Gavin’s Story

We are pleased to announce that Derbyshire Mind Trustee Gavin Cooper was asked to be part of the Mind Christmas Appeal 2021, and tell his story of how being part of Derbyshire Mind’s board has helped him with his own mental health journey. We asked if we could share a bit more of his story with you:

“It was my pleasure to be a part of this year’s Mind Christmas Appeal. By sharing our stories we hope that we can inspire others who are struggling with their mental health and show that with the right support in place it is possible to come through the difficult times we experience.

I have a diagnosis of Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Mixed Personality Disorder and I have battled with my own demons for most of my adult life. There have been times where my symptoms have been so challenging that it seemed there was no way out of the dark place I was in. Over the last three years my role as a Trustee of Derbyshire Mind has been an integral part of my journey to recovery and has enabled me to use my lived experience to help others.

At Derbyshire Mind our vision is for everyone in Derbyshire to have good mental wellbeing and enjoy their best life. It has been a privilege to work with the Board to build awareness of mental health, reduce the stigma attached to mental illness and to promote our free community services including Advocacy, Active Monitoring, Enjoying Derbyshire and MindSpace.

On a personal level, being a part of Derbyshire Mind has helped me to develop an insight into my own mental health disorder and helped me to manage symptoms such as emotional dysregulation, addiction and social anxiety. Joining in with our Enjoying Derbyshire wellbeing activities has enabled me to meet others who are struggling, develop self-confidence and realise that we are not defined by our mental health disorders. I have also learned some useful new skills ranging from practicing mindfulness to folding books to make Christmas decorations! 😊

I would like to take the opportunity to thank all our supporters who help us to improve mental health and wellbeing for people across Derbyshire. After everything we’ve been through over the last two years many of us are struggling, and we couldn’t support the growing number of people who need our services without your help and generosity.

Merry Christmas and wishing you all a very happy and peaceful 2022.”

– Gavin Cooper, Derbyshire Mind Trustee

If YOU would like to donate to Derbyshire Mind this Christmas you can do so HERE