My name is Paul and I have experience of using mental health services over the past 30 years. I have accessed services such as LYPFT for support with my mental health.
My name is Paul Fraser and I have experience of using mental health services over the past 30 years. I have accessed services such as LYPFT for support with my mental health.
I am currently involved with several local projects related to mental health and coproduction. I am a Volunteer Peer Support Worker at Leeds Recovery College, co-chair of the LYPFT Service User Network and co-chair at Leeds Involving People. I train medical students at Leeds University and have been involved in research for both Leeds and Bradford Universities. I am involved in the Leeds Community Health Transformation, Leeds Oasis and Better Lives Leeds. I’m also a member of the Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service Coproduction Network.
I’ve been involved in Leeds Recovery College from the very start of its set-up, including being on the interview panel to appoint a manager. Since then, we have held dozens of courses and worked with hundreds of students. The Recovery College has flourished, even with the challenges we faced during lockdown – working virtually over Zoom was a success for us. I’m currently a co-facilitator on some of the courses that the Recovery College runs. I feel equally as valued as other staff members – we are all on a level playing field.
Getting involved in coproduction has kept me busy and gives structure to my days, which is very important to me. Being part of these projects makes me feel very empowered and socially included. I like to help others, giving them a voice in services. I now see myself as a positive role model to other service users, and encourage others with an “if I can do it, so can you” approach. Coproduction work allows me to give back to my community and feel connected to it. All of this has helped me with my personal recovery journey, and I keep up with this work because it’s good for my wellbeing.
I am currently involved with several local projects related to mental health and coproduction. I am a Volunteer Peer Support Worker at Leeds Recovery College, co-chair of the LYPFT Service User Network and co-chair at Leeds Involving People. I train medical students at Leeds University and have been involved in research for both Leeds and Bradford Universities. I am involved in the Leeds Community Health Transformation, Leeds Oasis and Better Lives Leeds. I’m also a member of the Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service Coproduction Network.
I’ve been involved in Leeds Recovery College from the very start of its set-up, including being on the interview panel to appoint a manager. Since then, we have held dozens of courses and worked with hundreds of students. The Recovery College has flourished, even with the challenges we faced during lockdown – working virtually over Zoom was a success for us. I’m currently a co-facilitator on some of the courses that the Recovery College runs. I feel equally as valued as other staff members – we are all on a level playing field.
Getting involved in coproduction has kept me busy and gives structure to my days, which is very important to me. Being part of these projects makes me feel very empowered and socially included. I like to help others, giving them a voice in services. I now see myself as a positive role model to other service users, and encourage others with an “if I can do it, so can you” approach. Coproduction work allows me to give back to my community and feel connected to it. All of this has helped me with my personal recovery journey, and I keep up with this work because it’s good for my wellbeing.