"...I then found the Henderson Hospital in Sutton that gave 24 hours a day therapy on a live in basis and with absolutely no medication, just psychotherapy and the ability to explore my inner feelings. Without doubt this was the hardest thing I have ever done, but throughout my year at the Hospital, I was able to go through every emotion possible, to share my own experiences with others in a safe and supportive environment, and to be accepted for who I am.

My own personal experiences include going through my own therapy at the Henderson Hospital. Going through my own issues allowed me to gain the insight as to how positive things can come from negative situations. I truly believe that I was blessed to be able to meet and work alongside some of the most wonderful people throughout my therapy, and will always maintain their humanistic approach towards the true understanding and support of people who for one reason or another find themselves in difficult situations.

Disability has always been a number one priority for me and because of this I knew that there were better ways of delivering help to those who needed it, but in a much more humanistic way. The chance came when the closure of a Mental Health Day Centre where I worked, created a situation that I knew needed to be addressed, especially for those who were left with nowhere to attend on a daily basis.
That gave me the inspiration to start WeAre1.

Since that formation, we have gone from strength to strength, and I have had to develop and learn new skills that I never knew existed, especially with my educational background. On this note, I can state that I take each day as it comes, I learn new things at every opportunity, I never forget the reasons why I do what I do, and above all, I will always be true to the values that make me the person that I am and want to be.

My previous experience has been working in the third sector for different organisations that have helped individuals with enduring Mental Health issues. Through my work I have gained many new skills such as a Level 3 NVQ in Health and Social Care at West Thames College and other awards and accreditations for my work within the community. Our organisation came second in the TPAS Awards 2012 for excellence in the community, and we have just gained another award by the National Federation of ALMO’s in Manchester for most innovative community organisation 2012.
Our latest award came from the Hounslow Volunteer Bureau where WeAre1 was given the honour of voluntary organisation of the year which is a great recognition for everyone who helps us to provide the services that inspire others to get involved.

Closing statement:

Through my own personal experiences, I have been allowed to see and understand the failings that take place on a daily basis throughout the health and social care sector, and with this in mind; it has driven me to co-develop WeAre1 as one of the only pan-disability organisations in the United Kingdom that is inclusive of everyone who contacts us. My aim is to learn from everyone around me, and pass on those skills for future generations to use in order that our community can be as one.
 

The future is what we make it.

Ronnie. "