Rory Smith

Trustee

I’m passionate about mental health as I have lived experience of mental health challenges. Throughout my life I hid my symptoms of those challenges in fear of the stigma that often surrounds it.

I had on/off therapy for many years, finally coming to a place where I now manage my symptoms and life in healthy ways and I am proud of my journey.
I have been a journalist for over ten years for both national and local organisations and I have seen too often the lack of support, resources and inequality that prevents some people from getting the help that I believe everyone has a right to access.

I have also too often seen prejudices surrounding mental health and a lack of understanding and empathy which I am determined to continue to challenge.

I am now very proud of my mental health journey and I hope that I am able to use my knowledge of lived experience and within the media industry to use my voice to help continue the incredible work of North Kent Mind in continuing to raise the voices of the people who use North Kent Mind’s services – whether that be past, present or future – and also of those who are involved at any level within the organisation.

Together I believe we can build a better future for mental health.