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Chris George is Director of Loud and Clear, a user led advocacy organization in a large London Borough; he has been in the post for seven and a half years. He has fifteen years experience and in that time has championed the causes of clients who are unable to voice their concerns or have their mental health needs met within the system. His day is full and wide ranging and can go from planning organisational strategy, dealing with employment matters, administration to having done the hoovering.
 
No two days are the same, he chuckles. He still enjoys having a full client caseload and describes himself as a thoughtful person with a passion for his work.



LH What do you do to relax and take pleasure from?

CG I like to go home to my own flat, shut the door and be in my own space – that’s important to me. I also like cooking, reading and listening to music.

LH There is a resurgence in growing your own food, do you grow your own fruit or veg in a garden or on an allotment?

I have a balcony where I like to potter about and grow a few herbs. Given the size of my balcony, I don't grow too much that I can eat except mint and basil. I would love to have an allotment or garden.

LH What kind of music do you have on your iPod?

I feel a little embarrassed to say that I don't have an ipod! But I currently have Kanye West on my CD player. I'm not very good at keeping up with technology!

LH What are the great leaps forward in the mental health service?

I think there has been development as well as disappointment in the system. I would say the most significant development that I have been involved with is the refurbishment of the wards at Northwick Park Hospital, which now house ensuite bathrooms on the wards. That is the biggest positive development in ten years, giving people privacy, dignity and space. What has not improved is the number of complaints about attitudes of staff in hospital.

LH Why have complaints not declined?

My view on this is that poor attitude persists toward patients: telling people off, coercion and control. Despite a whole host of managers we have worked with, we constantly hear from them positive attitudes which do not translate into changes in services. People who are in hospital are at their most distressed, and need to be cared for and there needs to be kindness. In all the years of development we haven’t seen much kindness, which does not cost any money.

LH Are you recognized out and about?

People often mistake me for Frank Skinner and approach me in the street.

LH Have you suffered a mental health set-back?

No, I think I have been reasonably fortunate with my mental health, I am aware that I have to look after my mental health as we all do. Generally I have a reasonable strategy for a good mental health.

LH What ambition have you yet to fulfill?

Back in February I realised a life-long ambition of seeing Birmingham City win at Wembley. Now that's happened I need to go back to the drawing board and re-think other ambitions!

LH What sound advice have you had, that has seen you through the years?

If you listen to other people, are polite and considerate and are interested in people they will respond positively towards you. And the second advice is to never wear a denim jacket with jeans!

LH Which book do you currently have on your night stand?

It's a biography called Jerusalem by Simon Sebag Montefiore.

LH Has the Big Society brought volunteers to the doors of Loud and Clear?

It hasn't. I think these are early days, I think the Big Society is more of an idea than an actual plan of action. Where I feel positive about the big society is the emphasis it places on the importance of creating relationships within communities. The biggest problem of people who have problems with mental health is the stigma and exclusion that go along with it, which can be damaging. Taking part and building relationships within our communities are really important.