This blog was always meant to be a space where I could talk honestly about my experiences with mental illness and the care I received as a result. But now, thanks to your support and the platform we’ve built together, I also want to use this space to talk about What About Now? — the charity I’ve set up because of everything I’ve been through.
Aftercare Shouldn’t Be Optional
One thing I’ve said from the beginning is that aftercare is vital following discharge from a psychiatric ward. And yet, it’s one of the biggest gaps in the system. The lack of post-discharge support is directly linked to people being readmitted to hospital. This isn’t just a statistic — it’s a warning sign that the system isn’t working. That needs to change.
I’ve been researching areas across the UK most affected by this problem, while also using my own story to guide me. From day one, I’ve said I want to spark national change. We may be small right now, but with support, I believe we can think big.
What We’re Building
🧠 Our helplines will be open to anyone in the UK — not a crisis service, but a source of calm, informed support.
We’ll offer:
- Guidance on where to turn in your local area
- Ideas and resources for supporting your own recovery
- Advice for families or friends on how to help a loved one
🤝 Our support groups will launch one area at a time — starting small to ensure they’re structured, safe, and genuinely helpful.
These groups won’t be run by mental health professionals, but by people who’ve been there. People who know what it’s like to come home from a ward and feel completely lost.
It will be a space for:
- People recently discharged from hospital
- Anyone living with mental illness
- Families and loved ones seeking support
- Real conversations with no judgment
Where We’re Starting
📍 Bromley
The first support groups will be set up in and around the London Borough of Bromley — one of the largest boroughs in London and a place I have strong personal ties to. I’m currently finalising locations and will share more details soon.
📍 Liverpool
The second area we’ll focus on is Liverpool, where my dad grew up. Through research, it kept appearing as a high-priority area — and it makes sense. Liverpool has one of the highest rates of social and economic disadvantage, which directly impacts mental health. Mental health service users in Liverpool are also shown to have significantly lower life expectancy.
Being based in London, I’ll be working closely with locals, charities, and NHS Trusts to decide where help is needed most, and how to deliver it well.
Building Slowly, Building Right
We know there are so many other places across the UK in urgent need of better mental health support. And we will get there. But to make real, lasting change, we need to grow deliberately. Step by step.
This isn’t just a project — it’s a movement. One I’ve started because I’ve lived through the gaps in the system. One we can grow together.
Thank you so much for the support I’ve received already. It means everything.
If you’d like to understand the driving force behind all of this, you can read more about my personal story.
Let’s make noise. Let’s create change.
What About Now?
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