HITTING THE GROUND RUNNING

TASHI THORNLEY Service User Governor

I remember becoming a student rep – and the realisation that you were accountable. But it was my passion. I wanted to make the positive changes students told me they wanted, like water fountains in the 24 hour library which we worked hard and got.

They struggled to afford study books, so I set up a second hand book shop. They also asked for a way of acknowledging tutors so we set up an awards programme and called it the Golden Robes – it’s still going strong today.

I always believed from being a student that there’s no point in being negative and complaining about something we feel isn’t right – for me it’s about coming up with a solution.

I love running – my idols were Kelly Holmes and Paula Radcliffe. But my mental health hasn’t been too good and I’ve spent a lot of time in hospital.

I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in 2003. It’s a horrible diagnosis. It’s quite new and people don’t know what it is so there’s a lot of stigma. I think service users should be involved in developing our services.

My care has really helped me become recovery focussed. It was a community mental health nurse who recommended I put myself forward for the governor role to work on behalf of other service users.

Being an elected representative means working hard for the people you represent, but I’m looking forward to it! Getting people engaged is my passion. I won’t shy away, no matter how I feel. I have a responsibility.

My care has really helped me become recovery focussed.

Find out more about our membership and governors at: Website: merseycare.nhs.uk. Phone: 0151 471 2303 or 0151 473 2778 Email: membership@merseycare.nhs.uk Write to: Alison Bacon, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, V7 Building, Kings Business Park, Prescot, Liverpool L34 1PJ.