Nick Wrycraft

I have worked for Anglia Ruskin University since 2004 as a Senior Lecturer in mental health nursing. As someone who had previously changed roles frequently, and always needed new goals and challenges, I fully expected that I would be moving on again very soon. However here I still am more than ten years later seeing more things to achieve.

Working with students in higher education presents continual challenges but also great rewards and satisfaction and is never less than engaging and interesting. I have also had the chance to meet with service users in various situations which has taught me a lot about the experience of receiving mental health services. While in teaching I have encountered many mental health workers, mental health nurses, and other professionals, and the various viewspoints and perspectives they represent has given me much to think about.

In spite of what many might think mental health continues to fall below the radar of the wider public consciousness, but like many other like minded people I still have hopes that there will be greater recognition and committment to this vital area of health at some point. On a personal level I have been priviliged to have the opportunity to write about this subject and promote the outstanding and selfless work of my colleagues.