Sharon McConville - campaign blogger

Sharon

 Sharon McConville is a 28 year old medical doctor who graduated in 2007; however, she suffers from schizoaffective disorder and no longer has a license to practise because of her illness.

Instead, she volunteers with MindWise, Rethink's sister organisation in Northern Ireland, and has been working part time for her local MP, Naomi Long, for the past year.

She is interested in politics, music and the arts generally, enjoys walking and yoga, and is keen to spread the message that there is more to people than their mental illness. Sharon is representing Rethink at a roundtable discussion on DLA reform this week and is blogging her experience.

Posts by Sharon

The Day We Went to Parliament

17 February 2011 | Posted by Sharon | 2 comments
Topics: Campaigns, Someone who has experienced mental illness, Work and money, Social issues

Yesterday morning the Rethink Campaign & Policy team convened in the heart of Westminster to finalise plans for our morning meeting with the Work and Pensions Select Committee, a little nervous but excited to have the opportunity to influence policy-makers at the highest level. 

Diary of a DLA Reform Activist

15 February 2011 | Posted by Sharon | 8 comments
Topics: Campaigns, Someone who has experienced mental illness, Work and money, Social issues

As I write, I am seated in the departure lounge of Belfast International Airport, waiting for a flight to London. I am both excited and a little nervous, because I have an important task ahead of me. On Thursday, I received an email from the Rethink Campaigns team who were looking for someone with mental illness who would be willing to talk about their personal experience of using Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to a Select Committee of MPs at Westminster.