Hi, my name is FrankV!

Hi all, I am a mature adult male suffering with a long term severe anxiety and depression disorder which also satisfies the basic legal test for being classified as a disability, a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. My classification came as a surprise to me, but since then I have realised the extent to which I have been subjected to disability discrimination, both at work and in the public services. Since 2018 I have been pursuing 2 legal battles, both of which have so far failed dismally due to the ignorance regarding mental health, unconscious prejudice from Justice's involved and a lack of support from the wider community. I have come to realise just how poorly the disabled community as a whole, ie 14+million people in the UK are affected by the lack of knowledge and understanding with regards to rights and legislation, even amongst the peers themselves. I have not been successful in securing any form of legal assistance, and those whom I have approached are vehemently against even making an effort to help, despite what is written in legislation. Nevertheless, onwards and upwards I am determined not to let the system get the better of me or indeed you! I'm so pleased to find myself here and to be able to join a community of people who need each other.