"Ross was my beacon of hope in my darkest times"

I have been under mental health services for over 7 years and recently had my celebration of success (formerly known as discharge). The first two years I was told that I was too challenging and complicated. As a result of this my case was passed from clinician to clinician and I never received the support I needed.

That was until a new member of staff arrived in the service who was passionate about making a difference in the world and to people's lives. His name is Ross, I was introduced to him roughly 5 years ago. He was aware of the difficulties I presented as a patient and stepped up to the challenge unfazed and determined to prove that despite someone's challenges they can be supported and recovery is possible. He had the experience and the knowledge and he had all the right qualities of a good human being which makes for a perfect mental health professional.

When I was introduced Ross I didn't trust anyone. However patiently listening, showing compassion and validating my past experiences, which I felt that no one had really listened to before, he slowly started to build trust and with every appointment I started opening up about things I thought I would never share. Ross is the only clinician I have met in my journey that uses his own lived experience to empower people to make positive changes to their lives. Ross isn't just a great clinician he is an amazing human being. If it wasn't for this man's support and unwavering commitment to making the world a better a place, I would be dead. Ross was my beacon of hope in my darkest times he stepped up where others had failed. I'm grateful and owe my life to Ross and I will continue to invest in myself and keep recovering as he gave me all the tools and knowledge to maintain my recovery in the community outside of mental health services.

I'm now volunteering in various different 3rd sector services. Ross inspired me to use my own lived experience and recovery journey to empower people to make positive changes and walk alongside them while they set out on their own recovery journeys. NHS Borders! Ross is an asset to the organisation and to mental health services. I hope we will see more people with the same unwavering commitment to their fellow humans, to change in mental health services and to making the world a better place to be in.