Today, I'm Vinnie, and I'm a very important person.

20 May 2011 | 05:30 PM
Vinnie
Topics: Campaigns, Someone who has experienced mental illness

Vinnie Rogers is a Rethink Activist from Stafford, on May 17th he took part in a service user panel at the All Party Parliamentary Group on Mental Health, to discuss the Governments NHS reforms.

“Today, I'm Vinnie, and I'm a very important person (VIP)."  These words, as someone with chronic self-doubt and negligible self-worth and self-esteem, are not ones I would usually associated with myself.  A "failure", "inadequate" and "no good" are the usual labels I attach to myself.

But, and there's always a but!  I have a dream and it's a dream that burns as brightly as Martin Luther King's.  "I have a dream that one day I will really find social, economic and mental well-being."  "I have a dream that one day I'll develop my social skills, so that I have a wide circle of loyal friends who can offer me on-going support and encouragement."  "I have a dream that one day I'll excel in my chosen profession of teaching in the lifelong sector."  "And I also have a dream that one day I'll find true meaning to life, which will lead to personal contentment and fulfillment."  "Oh, I have a dream!"
 
It is with the above, and many other reasons in mind, that I believe public involvement in the NHS is of vital importance and that is why I - "insignificant little me" - volunteered to address the all-party parliamentary committee on mental health concerning the NHS Reform Bill on Tuesday 17th May 2011. 
 
Do I want or need the NHS to do everything for me?  No.  Do I want or need to be totally dependent on the NHS?  No.  What I want - and need - is an NHS that empowers and supports me to achieve the social, economic and mental well-being referred to previously. I want, for example, an NHS that promotes social contact through peer support groups and other social-setting activities.  I want an NHS that will help me to develop my self-worth, self-esteem and social skills, so that I can enjoy meaningful and lasting personal and professional relationships.  I want an NHS that facilitates employment and training opportunities, so that I can attain and keep a rewarding and fulfilling job in the long-term.  I want an NHS that works in partnership with me, so that a solid platform is provided on which I can perform and do things for myself, which leads to true independence.  "Oh, I have a dream!"
 
I've shared my dream with Parliamentarians and now with you - my fellow Rethink members and activists.  It's my NHS and it is yours, too!  Parliament should be there to serve us, as service-users, and not the other way round.  The same sentiment, of course, should apply to all healthcare professionals as well.  You and I, ultimately, are the customer and consumer.  And, as we know, the customer is always right!
 
So, finally, may I encourage you to have your say.  Let Parliament know about your needs, wants and expectations regarding the NHS.  Lobby your MP.  Let your voice be heard.  Strive for an NHS that serves you.  It's still not too late to make a difference.  "Oh, let's live that dream!"

Comments

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1. At 10:06 AM on 25 May 2011 Vinnie wrote:

Today, I'm Vinnie, and a very important person (VIP)

Good morning Carol I wholeheartedly agree with you that employment opportunities afforded to, and sought by, people with mental distress/affliction should be "meaningful". I've had a few jobs in my lifetime that have had an adverse affect on my mental wellbeing, resulting in suicidal tendencies, so it is something I'm desperate to avoid in the future. The thought of being "forced into" work just to meet Government quotas or potentially financially-induced targets for medical companies employed on behalf of the DWP just fills me with dread. Yes, for me, work can be life-changing, so that is why I chose and am still choosing to speak out! Meaningful work for me means being relatively well paid, which should lead to economic wellbeing; in effect, I don't want to be an object of anybody's pity and charity, but I do want to be afforded the opportunity to excel at work and make my own - independent - way in life. Why shouldn't people with mental distress/affliction, with bespoke support, reach the positions of Chair or Chief Executive? Empowerment, arguably, is another facet of "meaningful" employment. Should I be made accountable for my actions and behaviours? Yes. But do I, as someone with mental distress/affliction, need to be micro-managed and questioned about everything I do? No. Development, too, could be a key feature of "meaningful" employment that, again, should meet with individual need and want. I could go on, but just don't have the word count to do so, but may I still encourage everyone to have THEIR say before it's too late.
2. At 06:54 PM on 23 May 2011 Carol Mapley wrote:

VIP People

Vinnie, I totally agree with your comments, the only thing I'd think I'd 'tweek' is to add the word 'meaningful' to employment. I have longterm mental health problems and just like you want to get a decent job with some propects, one that makes use of my talents. I fear being forced into the first available job that comes along, simply to fulfill someones long term sick into employment qouta. To put me in that predicament would just ensure I would become ill again, become unemployable again and probably just give up and ship out of life permanently after som many setbacks. So my message to the government is that we aren't stupid, nor out of our heads, loonies or just an underclass of no hopers. We want to take our place in society, we don't just want jobs, but jobs that fit the person, their talents and aspirations. Work and jobs with a future. Carol

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