We are looking for people to join our council of governors and help to shape the future of health services in Sheffield.
In this blog Jonathan Hall, service user governor, describes what’s involved, what motivates him as a governor and how being a governor at SHSC has personally benefitted him.
You can find out more about becoming a governor at SHSC on the Council of governors page on this website.
Nominations are open until 29 April.
For much of my life, I have suffered from chronic pain, and this understandably has had a very negative effect on my mental wellbeing. In 2016 and 2017 things became extremely difficult as my disabilities worsened and my mental wellbeing became life threatening. I was hospitalised after trying to take my own life and received really good care, sadly, this is not always the way service user individuals feel. It has not been easy but over the years it has become less challenging to maintain my mental wellbeing.
As part of my recovery journey, I was asked if I would like to become a service user governor for the SHSC. I had been a governor at a local sixth form college, becoming vice chair for the final two years of service. So, I decided to give it a try.
Becoming a Governor for the Trust has been a very rewarding experience. It has presented many opportunities to me that I never thought possible. I was lucky enough to be able to study for a post graduate diploma in recovery in mental health. I have become involved with the Research Department and am supporting studies that will have a real impact on the way the Trust supports and treats service user individuals, and I can share this valuable learning with the governing body.
These opportunities would not have presented themselves without my becoming a Member of the Trust. Becoming a Governor allows me to voice my opinions on how the trust operates and feedback on how policies and procedures have a direct effect on service user individuals.
I have also learned a great deal about how health Trusts operate and the challenges they face in the current financial and social climate. There is a wealth of knowledge within the governing body and individuals are more than happy to share insights and views that often shape my own opinion and offer a great opportunity to learn. The Trust also offers several governor training sessions to support our role.
Yes, some parts of governorship are a little monotonous, but this is far outweighed by the personal growth, learning and feeling of contribution that comes from the role. Becoming a governor and volunteer for SHSC has become an essential part of my recovery journey and has become a valuable part of maintaining my mental well-being. I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity and hope to serve as long as possible.
