Having battled with mental illness since his late teens, experiencing the painful depths of Depression, destructive highs of Bipolar Disorder, and heart-breaking episodes of Suicidal Ideation and attempts, Steve understands the challenges of accessing care.

Steve is a national expert in the field in promoting the value and importance of Living Experience Leadership. For over a decade he has spoken about his mental illness experiences seeking to reduce the stigma and shame within Black communities.

Appointed Vice Chair for the Mental Health Act Review Steve supported the chair in making recommendations to the Government, chairing the Service User and Carer group, and co-chairing the Black African Caribbean working group.

Elected Co-Chair of the Mental Health Advisory Group (NHS Race and Health Observatory Board), he supports work to better understand the social determinants of racial mental health inequalities.

Steve is a trustee of Bipolar UK, having previously served as a Trustee for National Mind and The Association of Mental Health Providers.

You can find Steve at https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-gilbert-obe/