I have a host of experience in Nursing and specialise in Mental Health

MickConnon

Good morning everyone, my name is Mick and am a Registered Nurse. I work looking after quite a few adults with Learning Disabilities and love this. I am a Dad and now Grandad (Pops) and have joined this forum after speaking to the lovely ladies at Naidex earlier this week. I have a host of experience in Nursing and specialise in Mental Health. I am carer for my wife who has had life changing surgery but is getting back on the road to recovery and also run my own training company. Am here to advise and answer any questions anyone may have as I am fiercely protective of the people I look after ensuring they are not discriminated against, taken advantage of and I act as their advocate when nevessary. Please feel free to say hi but I just thought I might quickly introduce myself. 

thespiceman

Hello @MickCannon Pleased to meet you welcome.

Thank you for joining and sharing.  Like your positive post.

I am one of the team of community champions who guide, advise and help new members who join the forum.

You have come to the right place for support, advice, information.  Also friendship.

I am sure many members of our community be interested in your role.  I know myself having mental health issues. Admire the tireless work you do.  The contribution you give to the community.

Please have a look around our website. We are friendly. Care and share.

Please ask if we can help and advise. Some one will know from our community or a member of our team.

Pleasure to meet you.

Take care.

@thespiceman

Ami2301

Hi @MickConnon welcome to the community! Would love to hear about your time at Naidex! I am hoping to go next year

MickConnon

Hi Ami, it was recommended to me as a few years ago by a lady who works for called Travel Counsellors. Due to being my wife’s carer I arranged for a friend to help looking after my wife that day. The Naidex was nothing short of inspirational. The atmosphere was excellent whilst I was there and I spoke to a lot of people from around the UK mainly but also those from abroad. Really easy to get to as the NEC is in a central place. The tickets are free and I would have no hesitation in sending you out a invitation for next year? 
I’m sure you have seen my basic information and when I spoke to the SCOPE ladies at Naidex about things I had experienced as a professional in looking after those with physical and learning disabilities, they were keen on me getting involved as a Nurse and as part of Scope’s professional panel. I do have a lot to offer in the way of advice and experience and am getting myself out there just now. 
Naidex I noticed is an ideal place to meet others, build support networks, find out about ways to make things easier for you in the way of support, new technology to make tasks easier, holidays available and  it did really blow my mind as to what is available out there. I still have the guide to this years show and would be happy passing it on to you so you can read it? It was such an amazing feeling being in the presence of so many inspirational people who make you feel so alive and energised.  

MickConnon

Oh, and whilst at the Naidex, I saw Warwick Davis a man I love as an actor and is a great ambassador and supporter for Naidex and is very approachable. He is an extraordinary generous man and one I wish I had had more time to have met on the day I visited but I think everyone who attended had the same thoughts and he had a big crowd of people round him every time I walked past which shows how popular and respected he is. He ensured that he took the time to talk to those who waited to see him. Great man?

MickConnon

Great to send me such a great welcome @thespiceman. Thanks it means a lot ?. This forum I love the feel of and you are right it is friendly. I was blown away with the Ladies from SCOPE at Naidex who passed on some of their passion in persuading me to join the ranks. In my relatively short 10 years plus working as a Nurse, I have learned so much, experienced some heartwarming feelings but on the downside been on the receiving end of some gut wrenching treatment from other health professionals. I know this has shaped me but it has not changed who I am inside and I can clearly see we are kindred spirit?. We are all equals and treat everyone how I want to be treated myself. I love to give, my wife states too much sometimes to my detriment?. Can’t really help it tbh but she is my ying and am her yang. I do have a lot to offer which is why this outlet and forum feels right. One thing I will say is that just because I am a Mental Health professional, doesn’t mean that I haven’t had problems of my own if you catch my drift ?. As a community champion I look up to you in what you do here and thank you very much for the work you do here. It is great meeting you too and am sure we’ll have a lot more to share in time which will benefit others?

Ami2301

Bless you, thank you @MickConnon unfortunately, we are not permitted to share personal information such as email address, home address, etc to protect our privacy. Thank you so much for offering though, that's very kind of you ?

Do you know when tickets are available for next year?

I am also a community champion too, alongside my good friend @thespiceman and a few others who I'm sure you will meet in due course.

You seem like an amazing gent and I really can't wait to see you around on the community!

MickConnon

Hi @Ami2301, as I said earlier to @spiceman, the welcome here has been phenomenal and this feels so right! ?
Apologies as did not mean to breach group protocols and will bear this in mind for future as you are absolutely right in the privacy side of things?. I get carried away from time to time?.
Having community champions on board I feel is reassuring and s great way to welcome newbies. I will keep a close eye on the tickets for next year and as soon as I hear anything I will share it with you so that you will be in the loop ?

Ami2301

Not to worry ? if you're interested in learning more about becoming a community champion then you can contact the lovely @Sam_Scope our senior community Officer, she looks after us all ? 

Thank you, I would greatly appreciate that ?

CockneyRebel

Hi @MickConnon and welcome

I am sure you will be a great assest as a member and friend. Thanks for joining us

MickConnon

Thanks @CockneyRebel I look forward to it?

Sam_Alumni

Welcome to the community @MickConnon
My name is Sam and I look after the online community here, I will drop you an email about how you can get involved more in supporting people

MickConnon

Hi @Sam_Scope, thanks for the welcome?. Am looking forward to receiving the email ?

thespiceman

Hello @MickConnon Thank you for reply. Great to meet you.

Thank you for kind words.

I am sure every one will appreciate the time and energy you give to anything you achieve or do.

I am one.

Be fantastic if you were a community champion. We have a fabulous team and amazing support.

If I can help with anything please ask. I do not know everything. My own health history I have.

Use this to help, guide, advise others who are the same.

Living with a mental illness and disability is never easy. Every day different. Also having an addiction history.

Having the knowledge, expertise and time for those like myself.

Been clean twelve years last month. My anniversary of stopping.

Always useful to contribute, advise and give those some support.

Every one on here is a community.

I have made many friends.

Message to them daily . Share and care, every day.  Does help.

Have a look at our guide lines and community house rules. If that helps you.

Keep in touch.

You have new friends

Take care.

@thespiceman