Bhavna Banchhod

As a BME woman I have lived experienced of experiencing mental ill health and recovery. Also from the BAME carer perspective caring for a family member.

Professionally, I have trained background in Counselling and Psychotherapy from University of Warwick. I utilised my professional and personal expertise, knowledge and skills to be commissioned to develop and deliver Person-Centred Holistic Mental Health and Wellbeing sessions and programmes to young people, families and communities. Enabling individuals to develop effective coping strategies/tools and build resilience to manage his/her anxiety, stress and depression.

I feel passionate about mental health, with there being "No Health Without Mental Health" addressing health inequalities, embedding the voice of service user and carer perspective from marginalised communities to influence and develop a integrated healthcare system which addresses the care needs of individuals and communities it serves.

Previously, I was the West Midlands Delivering Race Equality Ambassador in Mental Health which later developed into the equalities agenda at local, regional and national levels.

Also, I have been actively involved on several mental health service user and carer's lived experience and co-production committees, focus groups, steering groups and health research at national. regional and local levels.

My hobbies include listening to music, going to concerts, theatre, baking, gardening and fitness.