Prior to starting my psychologist training, I worked in administration and logistics for a number of commercial companies before joining the International Division of the British Red Cross in 1991 as a Logistics Officer. My work for the Red Cross took me to many different countries that were experiencing armed conflict or natural disaster. My role was to assist in the distribution of humanitarian relief supplies directly to people who were in dire need of the basic necessities of living, such as medical supplies, food, clean water, shelter and safety.

During the five and a half years I worked for the Red Cross I came to understand that the psychological and emotional needs of people are equally important to their physical needs but they were often left unacknowledged and untreated. Mental health suffering can often not be seen but it is just as real. The world has moved on and the neglect of mental health is not as pronounced as it once was, but there is still much to do. I hope to continue to do my small part to alleviate psychological suffering and the associated stigma, so that people no longer feel ashamed and can reach out openly for assistance for their mental health with dignity in the same way we do for our physical needs.