What’s your name and where do you come from?
I’m Derek Read and I’m originally from the Wirral, near Liverpool. I came to Glasgow nearly 30 years ago to do my social work post-grad and I’ve been here ever since.
Why are you interested in mental wellbeing?
I’ve had periods of mental ill health throughout my life and more recently I had to give up social work because of my health. I went back part time, but I found it too difficult. Now I do peer support work and talk about my lived experience of mental ill health. We get good feedback- people tell us that hearing someone else’s story can make a real difference. Often peers can teach more than professionals.
What can we expect from you?
Mostly poetry, but I’m interested in all forms of writing as a therapeutic tool. I think people with mental health problems need to be heard and know their own experience best.
What makes you angry?
Injustice: prejudice, narrow-mindedness.
What makes you feel good?
Music, poetry, being with friends and performing poetry. Travelling and seeing new places. I want to see more of the world while we still can.
Derek’s posts
Resolutions written in invisible ink- Happy Thai New Year
Autumn skinny dipping: a poem about mental health and the seasons
We’re always looking for new community correspondents, find out more about getting involved here.
I’ve known Derek for many years now and it was lovely to read his blog. Always an inspiration and a very talented, creative person I am delighted that Derek is on board as a fellow community correspondent