Louise Crook

I have worked in Mental Health since 1997 where I first volunteered to work and live in Wiltshire as a Community Service Volunteer supporting adults with moderate to severe learning disabilities and challenging behavior. I continued working in Mental Health up until December 2014 a total of seventeen years supporting varied levels of mental health needs and in various social care settings.

These included residential care, private hospital units and within the community. I have supported people with mental health needs to integrate back into their local community, support them with their daily living needs, search or sustain voluntary or paid employment.

I worked for a leading national mental health charity where I was employed as a Support Time Recovery Worker. My role as a Support Time Recovery was to support and give time to aid people with their recovery. I had to motivate people, be accepting of others lifestyles and mental health needs whilst remaining non-judgmental. I was required to possess strong communication skills including active listening, to be adaptable and remain calm in stressful situations.

I began working for Her Majesty's Passport Office in 2014 so I could take care of my young family whilst my husband continued to serve in the Armed Forces. I continued with my passion for supporting those most vulnerable by establishing a carers group to support staff at work with caring responsibilities. I am also a trained mental health first aider and a Straw practitioner (sustaining resilience at work). I have studied with the Open University and have gained a certificate in Health and Social Care. I am now ready for a new challenge and I am a delighted to have joined the Community Peer Mentor team in 2019.

I have a passion supporting those most vulnerable in our community and I am eager to develop my skills and make a difference.