A former Southend-based police officer is opening up about his struggles with mental health in a bid to help others.
Bob Craven is hosting a question-and-answer session called 'Coming Through' about mental health at The Forum, Southend Library on Saturday 4 February 2023, between 11am and 12.30pm.
He will discuss the events that led to his diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder in 1993, following a high-risk career as a police inspector infiltrating organised crime gangs.
A victim of several serious assaults during his career, Bob shares personal insights into the way he manages his mental health, chronic asthma and heart disease, while proving that life after diagnosis can be successful and rewarding.
Cllr Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for culture, tourism and environment, said: “I think we’re very lucky to have Bob discuss such personal aspects of his life as a way of understanding how a mental health diagnosis needn’t be negative.
“There remains such stigma around mental health, and it is thanks to people like Bob, being honest about their experience, that we can learn and develop more compassion, understanding and respect for mental health issues.”
Tickets are free and can be booked via the Visit Southend website.