A gift for the future

Kelly Burrows’ two passions in life are her daughter and her work as a volunteer mental health researcher.

The second was born from struggling to get a diagnosis for her own mental health issues - and a gritty determination to make things better for others. Kelly’s challenges began as a teenager and continued into young adulthood. “I struggled for years but I didn’t know what was wrong and neither did the professionals.

“My mum and dad tried to get help but I was in and out of hospitals. I was angry at missing out on a time when I should have been out enjoying life.”

Kelly’s lowest point came when she was 21 and pregnant with Lola, now eight. “I remember the ambulance coming to my house and seeing my mum so upset. It was hard for me thinking about my unborn baby but it must have been hell for her watching her baby in such distress.”

Kelly was finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Eight years on she’s in recovery, enjoying family life and volunteering. As a member of an expert patient panel, she advises clinicians and the Trust Board of Directors from a patient perspective.

“I wanted to make a difference for the people who came after me.

“Things have improved a lot but sharing my experiences can keep improving them.” Kelly is a huge advocate for Count Me In. “It gives everyone a chance to be part of planning better services. We’re all on the database so we can provide really important information. Only someone who has experienced or cared for someone in mental health services can truly say what it’s like for the patient. Our data and our stories will be the key to changing things for the future.”

Find out more at: merseycare.nhs.uk/count-me-in

Why have Count Me In?

In the past, Mersey Care has relied on health care workers such as doctors and nurses to approach people individually to take part in research. Now this single, secure database, governed by strict confidentiality and privacy rules, identifies and invites people to take part –unless they choose to opt out. This means more people will:

• Be informed about research

• Take part in research

• Receive better health and social care.