Supporting development & implementation of Anti-Racism approaches, informed by personal experiences of racism & mental illness.
Personal experiences
Experiences of racial discrimination and mental illness drive Steve’s work. A bi-racial child, Steve didn’t ‘fit in’. He soon understood that racism contributed to prevelance of serious mental illness on his father’s side of the family. Steve has extensive personal experiences of mental illness, including periods of depression, suicide attempts, and hospitalisation. He has a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder and Complex PTSD- the result of psychological abuse in his early years through to adulthood.
Notable roles
Appointed as a Vice-Chair for the Independent Mental Health Act Review Steve supported the chair in making recommendations to the Government, leading the work to improve outcomes for Black African and Caribbean communities, and chairing the Service User and Carer group.
Steve has continued to work with the team from Department of Health and Social Care and the Ministry of Justice, referred to as the Directors Group, to develop the Government response to Mental Health Act Review, refining the key recommendations aimed at Black African and Caribbean communities.
Elected Co-Chair of the Mental Health Working Group (NHS Race and Health Observatory Board), he supports work to better understand the social determinants of racial mental health inequalities
Steve advises Thalamos to deliver patient centric approaches in their work to improve outcomes and experiences for people subject to the Mental Health Act.
Steve co-leads a team delivering an anti-discrimination approach at Kooth PLC, a leader in personalised digital mental health care.
Trustee roles
Steve is a trustee for the Association of Mental Health Providers (March 2018 – current), supporting the development of the mental health voluntary & community sector.
Steve was a for Mind (Sept. 2017 – Oct 2021). Recently appointed to the Race Equity Committee, supporting delivery on commitments to strengthen race equity internally and externally.
Consulting
Steve supports organisations to implement ambitious Anti-Racism programmes.
Steve provides group & 1:1 coaching to support development of emerging anti-racism leaders.
Recognition
Steve was recognised in the 2019 Queens Birthday Honours List and appointed OBE for services to mental health.
