My Bath Mind Journey – Chris’s Story

When I first became a Bath Mind Trustee there were no mobile phones, no emails, no laptops and no paid staff. We were all volunteers, holding our meetings around the secretary’s kitchen table in a cottage that I travelled to by horse and cart.  OK, I made the travelling bit up but seriously, it was a long time ago!

The electronic gadgets that we now rely on have completely changed the way we communicate at Bath Mind. Just as strikingly, they’ve given us all new ways of sharing experiences and they’ve helped to transform social attitudes. Problems that people used to feel embarrassed or awkward about are now discussed more freely and there’s less hesitancy about finding help.

An increased awareness that mental health issues can affect anyone at any time, regardless of their nature or background, has encouraged efforts to promote mental wellbeing that have spread into schools and workplaces. Just a quick look at the Bath Mind website shows how our efforts are changing lives… save that for later though because the heart-warming stories and eye-opening insights are too engrossing for only a quick look!

Life has changed since I joined Bath Mind. We all miss good things that have disappeared, sometimes not appreciating how much has improved.

Bath Mind has changed from a small group of volunteers keen to make an impact, to a major provider of information and help, empowering people in our community to strengthen and take control of their mental health. That’s an improvement!