Debra Jones and Abigail Johnson are our new Lived Experience Knowledge Understanding Framework (KUF) Development Leads.
They have been recruited as part of a national campaign to raise awareness of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) also known as Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), with an aim to tackle the findings of BPD as a diagnosis of exclusion.
Both Debra and Abbie have received treatment and are now proud ambassadors for recovery.
Debra said: “We aim to demonstrate that the diagnosis is not a life sentence, and a full and meaningful life is absolutely possible. By being open about our personal stories, we aim to reduce the stigma so often associated with this diagnosis. We can also help people understand the feelings and drives that underlie challenging behaviours in a way no book or text can.”
Together, they will be delivering KUF training – a programme designed to standardise knowledge and practices in the diagnosis and treatment of BPD.
Abbie said: “By closing knowledge gaps and tackling the misconceptions and myths surrounding this diagnosis, it will help to increase understanding and empathy when dealing with complex service users and reduce frustration.”
The training will initially be for NAViGO staff directly involved in the treatment and support of service users with a diagnosis of BPD, with plans to roll out to all staff and wider community frontline workers, including colleagues in the wider NHS, emergency services, police, community-based support services and carers.
Debra and Abbie are on hand to meet with any service users who are finding it difficult to engage. They may be new to their diagnosis and need reassurance or they may be in treatment and need to see for themselves what recovery can look like.
Carer and family member support is also available, providing advice on how best to support a loved one.
If you need mental health support, we're here to help.
If you need urgent support, you can call us on (01472) 256256 and select option 3.
If you'd rather not use the phone, you can text ORANGE to 85258 to have a text conversation with a volunteer from Shout, who will help you reach a state of calm.