Pete Ryan
How I got involved PSS Wellbeing Centres and Upbeat
Having come to the Umbrella Centre as someone using the service in 2013, I am now a volunteer peer supporter with PSS Wellbeing Centres and co-facilitate The Strumbrellas ukulele group sessions. I also support and co-facilitate the Anxiety Management course when the opportunity arises.
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I am a big advocate for co-production and PSS is a leading light in this area, increasing volunteer participation throughout its services. I was lucky to be on the steering group for Upbeat Liverpool and contribute to its design and development.
As a member of the Upbeat team, I have filmed and edited some video content on the blog along with writing producing and hosting the Open Mic podcast. I hope to continue creating more film and podcasting projects for the blog.
Why I’m upbeat about Upbeat!
Throughout lockdown, it was a beacon of support and advice, along with online tools such as meditation and relaxation videos to bring a sense of calm to the tension and uneasiness that a lot of us were going through. Upbeat continues to do this and I am excited about the future of the blog and how it will develop with new tools and innovative ways to engage and inspire visitors to the blog.
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I’m upbeat about Upbeat Liverpool because it’s unique in that it is co-produced by staff from PSS Wellbeing Centres and people who use the service. People who have lived experience of distress and poor mental health.
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Throughout lockdown, it was a beacon of support and advice, along with online tools such as meditation and relaxation videos to bring a sense of calm to the tension and uneasiness that a lot of us were going through. Upbeat continues to do this and I am excited about the future of the blog and how it will develop with new tools and innovative ways to engage and inspire visitors to the blog.
What I would pack in my self-care suitcase
Meditation, music, friends, square breathing, ukulele, The Brolly, Upbeat Liverpool, optimism, The Strumbrellas, singing, co-production; support; performing; gratitude; Open Mic; Zoom; creativity; mindfulness; public speaking on mental health; writing stories and verse; drama; laughter; light-heartedness; Wellbeing Centre Staff, volunteers and service users.