I’ve been disabled since birth and I experienced many adversities in my childhood. I have had some amazing support from therapists who understand the challenges disability can bring without viewing disability as a tragedy. I have also experienced difficulties accessing other mental health support which has inspired me to do a MSc in Mad Studies which is a survivor led approach to changing attitudes and support for people experiencing emotional distress. I believe emotional distress is over medicalised. I instead view distress as an understandable reaction to what has or is happening in someone’s life. I trained as a counsellor up to level 4 and I’ve worked with numerous disability organisations as a campaigner and advocate. Due to personally experiencing barriers to accessing appropriate mental health support, I am passionate about working with Spokz People to improve this for other disabled people.