An open letter to the social worker who wrote my case files: Trigger warning - contains extracts of case notes some may find upsetting, with reference to CSE & domestic abuse. Putting this out there is scary, but not nearly as scary as the thought that nothing will change.

I never find it helpful when MH services ask "well what do you want from us?" Um... the will to live? Please manage my expectations by telling me what you can offer instead of asking something vague where I have no idea what I'm supposed to say. Also - it's dismissive & rude.

Scottish Mail on Sunday 4 Dec 2022 A generation in crisis as almost 18000 teenagers in Scotland take #antidepressants By Cameron Charters With ⁦Beverley Thomson⁩

Going into care is not a choice. It's not an experience but a condition. At 18 you're abandoned by the state, left to defend for yourself. Imagine if your parents totally cut you off at 18 and said never make contact with them again. #changeiscoming #protected #characteristic

I went back to uni this week after 2 years after being SA by another student, it was tough returning & I questioned going in the rest of the week. My lecturer sent this after my first day & its the reason I went back, Im so grateful for the support from GCU Social Work GCU Cares

So impressed with Police Scotland getting lived experience input into their negotiator training. This is the way forward, lived experience needs to be essential in mental health, suicide and trauma training!

I officially quit my job today! The amount of relief I feel shouldnt be the case. Over 2.5 years I've been with the same organisation in care & it broke me. Lack of training, lack of support, 1 supervision, being attacked & more. Time to find something new, that excites me again.

🆕 An evaluation for SAMH, who host our Lived Experience Panel, has been published. Researchers @thelinesbetweet identified an increased profile for lived experience, big impact on SP strategy & delivery and individual, personal benefits. ▶️ samh.org.uk/about-mental-h… 🧵

10st lost in just over a year, I did that! Sometimes we all need to just invest in ourselves to give us the best leg up in life 💖

Grateful for Police Scotland for continuing to listen to lived experience and using it to create change! Lived experience is the way forward, what better than to hear from those who have lived it & actually understand tough situations like suicide and trauma. Game changing!

Wow! Best advert I've seen, such a powerful message!

A powerful start to our event as panel members have a fireside chat about why they share their experiences & highlight examples of supportive & less supportive situations they have been in. #CreatingHopeTogether #SuicidePreventionScotland

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead Just some of the amazing folks who took part in our Networking event yesterday. #CreatingHopeTogether #SuicidePrevention

18 vs 24 🤯

12 years. 12 years since 12 year old me took some paracetamol, wishing & praying to never wake up. 12 years old! I wish I could go back and give this scared little girl a hug. I wish I could stop her being failed. I can't but I will fight everyday to help other girls like me.

22 weeks already spent cooking our miracle baby 🥰 If anyone needs me for the next 4 months there's a good chance I'll have moved to the North Pole to cool down🥵🤰

Almost 32 weeks!! She definitely has my nose but those lips she didn't get from either of us😅 By far one of the toughest, most physically taxing experiences I've ever experienced but she's worth it all🥰

Crazy to think in just a few weeks ill have my own tiny human, even crazier to think that the house she will call her first home is also the first place I could call home! I'm just so grateful she doesn't have to wait until she's 21 like i did to have a safe place to call home 💗

A whole new meaning to love ❤️ Happy valentines day from our perfect little valentine ❤️