Welcome to our blog; a platform for thinkers, activists and system shakers to share their thoughts and news.
Ewan Hilton
Chief Executive
Building on the 30 plus year history we have of working with people experiencing mental health challenges and in systems designed to offer help and support, from the stories of over 9000 people a year we support and the 300 staff who offer support; based on established and emerging research and evidence (or lack of), we have created our Manifesto for change.
We must stop putting the issue of mental health onto the person and blame them or think of ‘them’ as second-class citizens but we must recognise the role adversity, trauma, distress and injustice have on our mental health.
Positive relationships have been talked about for a long time in housing and support. It’s not a new idea. However, with each year we see more often that our systems get in the way of building positive relationships.
'The energy price cap, while welcome, won’t address the fears of those dreading winter in a cold house. It won’t stop their savings being eaten away. And it won’t undo the damage done to our collective health’ - our Head of Policy explains the need for deeper change.
I have been on a significant learning journey during my time at Platfform, I am coming to understand more how our feelings about our work, and changes to it, can impact on how we act. It is why I am particularly proud of the Wisdoms work that we did alongside Caredig housing association.
The 22 August is the UN's International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence based on Religion or Belief. As someone who is a victim of violence on the basis of my faith, I wanted to share what happened to me and my family, how that trauma is still real today many years on, and how it has affected my mental health and day-to-day life.
I am working to create change at Platfform, to ensure that there is an equal playing field for all, and to help make us an organisation that reflects a wider range of backgrounds and experiences.
Platfform is supporting Cymorth Cymru and Community Housing Cymru’s call for the Welsh Government to ensure their forthcoming budget truly helps to end homelessness in Wales.
In a society that spends so much time defining people by whether they have a male or female body, realising that yours doesn’t match up with your identity can be a profoundly difficult situation to navigate. Adding to that, the intense media speculation and frequently heated debate on the matter can have a significant effect on your mental health.
