Well, where to start. The years since I took on my role as an EBE (Expert by Experience) have been among the most rewarding of my life. I have always been a great believer in kindness and humanity and to find myself doing a job involving helping people in need is something I consider to be a great privilege.

After all of the preparation and training we were given in the early days under the guidance of the wonderful Mary Greener, it has been amazing to see the service develop into a working recovery space.

I have never been a particularly “outward” person and am on the Autism spectrum, which was a great set back, especially in my early years. At the time, 1960’s, such things were not very recognised. I was labelled as slow and backward and I believe this was a contributing factor to the depression and addiction(s) I developed in adult life.

Working with our team of fellow EBEs, who I consider as great friends, have really boosted my confidence and brought me ‘out of myself’ enough to usefully engage with clients and offer them the help and advice that they need, frequently related to my own experience.

When I come into the KRC now to talk with service users it’s always a challenge, but I embrace that challenge with the motivation that I can make a difference, however small to someone’s wellbeing.

-Mike, EbE