Slice of life interview with one of our members
For our upcoming bulletin, we interviewed Paul who has been a member of LIP for 15 years. It was a unique opportunity to see what drives our members to get involved with our organisation. Â
A little about Paul: Iâve been a service users  for 20 years, in and out of various hospitals, Heâs also had the experience of being a detained, so has a rich background to draw upon from. Paul has embraced this second chance and has really made a go of it. Having a lot fingers in a lot of pies has meant that in the last 12 years he has been involved with a social enterprise mental health programme. This helped him to become involved with a printing company where he got lots of support from Leeds business centre and Leeds social care. Gaining funding from Bradford ultimate as well as the lotto, has meant that he can help other users with printing equipment and one to one tuition.
Training within a therapeutic environment has meant individuals can increase their sense of self-esteem, knowing that we can signpost on to other work.
Paul joined LIP 15 years ago as a mental health service users in a carer group, he met once a month at St.Chadâs. He was part of a modernisation team which involved being a rep on the employment consultation.
Paul tell us his job was to feedback on employment within mental health community. It was therapeutic work that meant we discussed issues in reference in the group.
Why did you get involved?
Living in a hostel Paul was encouraged to attend meetings and it snowballed from there. People started to listen to him and he reaped the benefits of mental wellbeing as a result. It gave him confidence to represent people who werenât well enough to speak for themselves. By creating a user friendly environment, having a happy family environment meant that less confident members could get more involved and not feel judged.
Paulâs horizons have been broadened, being involved with interview panels, training and conferences, has meant that these activities feel like he is giving something back to the community.
Paul believes that although changes have been slow, they have been in the right direction. More voluntary groups have had more involvement with shaping of the services. LIP has produced fresher ideas which means its more in touch and less chance to fizzle out. Paul believes that it is the passion from LIP members that makes the group so successful.
Diversity has been a key factor within the steering groups, the more people with different backgrounds the more people it can represent.
Paul tells us then when we he first attended LIP it felt quite individual, it was splintered to a degree that referrals seemed to be through word of mouth rather than proper networking. Now there are better links, people know what groups do what and where we can go for extra help.
LIP was involved with establishing solid relationships that prevent groups from being isolated, it has improved connections and helped us reach out.
Paul has found the experience empowering because he can interact better, improve my social skills, sharing our experiences with dignity and respect.
 What do you want people to take away from this?
Paul wants to show how people can become role models and inspire them to get involved. Â I want people to ask the question, âWhy canât I do it?â. And they can! Â Paul says that he likes to get involved with new members, he likes to volunteer with a buddy system giving them confidence and support when they need it.
He believes that Together We Can is a great organisation in the way it provides opportunities to share experiences in a safe confidential environment, ensuring that the members feel respected and at ease. Â
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