I've been a Time to Change Wales Champion for around four years now and it has been such an incredibly impactful experience.
Having struggled with the stigma surrounding mental health from a young age; the mission of Time to Change Wales to spread awareness of mental illness, promote open discussions and put an end to the discrimination faced by those struggling with their mental health resonates directly with my own experiences and passions.
It is through connecting with the Time to Change Wales campaign that I've been given a safe platform for these experiences to be heard – a vulnerable space where we can listen to each other's stories and share in our understanding which then slowly dismantles the culture of shame and suppression that has stigmatised mental health for so long.
From the moment I became a Time to Change Wales Champion, I felt an overwhelming sense of support and empowerment. You aren't just a volunteer – you are part of a team, working alongside one another to make a real difference.
It is clear that the Time to Change Wales staff not only recognise the value of the voices and the shared stories of their volunteers, but they also appreciate the bravery that it takes to open up about these personal (and often very traumatising) experiences.
As someone who feels more comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings through writing rather than speech, I prefer to share my own story through blogs – a choice that is both respected and encouraged by the Time to Change Wales team. Whether you prefer to write, film or share your experiences through talks and events, your voice is valued no matter what medium you feel most comfortable communicating it through.
Time to Change Wales provides a platform for all of our voices to be heard; a space where every one of those stories that have been silenced by stigma can finally be shared, and an environment where we can work towards creating a space of safety, acceptance and representation that many of our past selves so desperately needed but never had.
It is these opportunities that have encouraged me to recognise and reclaim the power of my own voice, and the impact that my story can have in the lives of others as we work together to put an end to stigma and to move towards a more inclusive, authentic future.
