Kate Purcell

For over a decade, Kate Purcell has worked in the community as a peer worker, mental health advocate, group facilitator and alcohol and drug counsellor. She has worked at a variety of organisations in Western Australia, including RUAH community services, NEAMI national and the Mental Health Advocacy Service.

As a teenager, Kate spent two years in institutionalised care to treat anorexia. She was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder at the age of 26.

Kate encapsulates hope, and another passion of Kates is sharing her experiences to not only provide hope to others, but also to reduce mental health stigma in society.

Kate enjoys public speaking and writing, using both as a means to help reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues.

She lives in Perth with her partner Leon, and their fur-baby cat, Pan.

Hope Inc. is her first book.