Ted Chapman

Representatives

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About Me :

 I worked as a school teacher and home tutor for very disaffected/ vulnerable pupils until 2003 when I finished due to mental health issues, I not teach 'awreness of polytricks, corporate greed and deception' in the big wide western unreality we are forced to exist in.  
 
I have worked as a rep for DV on and off since 2007, at the moment I only attend the Adult Engagement meeting for the north of the county. I enjoy the meetings as broad spectrum of issues are raised, I often come away feeling that I have had positive input to helping improve 'care', highlight issues and gain important insights into changes that are taking place. I was diagnosed bipolar in 2005 after a long fight with acute depression and three episodes of mania/psychosis - all related to losing contact with my daughter in 1996 and the ensuing Family Court battles - luckily I just avoided being sectioned by the skin of my teeth; however my partner (also diagnosed bipolar) has not been so lucky. After witnessing the 'treatment' she received I became determined to help bring change to 'support' provided by our mental health system. 
As well as my work for DV I have also founded The Root And Branch Project which aims to give mainly peer support to people experiencing mania/psychosis ( along similar lines to Soteria Network - being with - but in a more natural, hopefully woodland environment). Once set up we hope the retreat will provide an alternative, helping individuals avoid the need for a stay in a psychiatric unit as well as supporting people with a wider range of mental health issues - eg anxiety, depression.
 
I am also a poet and muscian playing alto sax with my band The Cactus Room - who also help raise awareness around mental health issues and funds for Root And Branch.