Steve Probyn

Background

About Steve Probyn

I experienced a catastrophic mental health crisis at the beginning of 2019 as a response to unresolved loss which also resulted in resigning from a role as Head of Services within mental health. This was brutal as I came close to ending my life which also meant I lost a career I had worked incredibly hard to develop which I am still striving to rediscover and in many ways feel lucky to have survived. This experience has provided me with an additional lens that I now view society and services through where my overarching aim is to ensure what happened to me happens to no-one else. However, my belief in the importance of lifelong learning and meaningful work for all in maintaining purpose has been reinforced as is key to sustaining a good life. And the quote from the famous Arsenal footballer David 'Rocky' Rocastle,"Remember what you are, who you are and what you represent" resonates with me more than ever. I am fierce believer in Social Justice and always driven to offer support to those who have experienced multiple disadvantages whether that be working in Drug and Alcohol services or managing Mental Health services in the voluntary sector. A key aspect within this belief is to ensure that every interaction I undertake matters no may how big or small. I still hold a core belief that health and social care systems should fundamentally not replicate those of the traditional school model whereby helpers 'bank' knowledge and act as authoritative figures in regard to an individual's motivation to change. Therefore, I believe a process of de-schooling needs to be undertaken where the writings of Ivan Illich and Paulo Frere have had a profound impact on me in this regard. I am also an Informal Educator, and the power of Informal Education cannot be underestimated in creating the foundations for change as the power dynamic between helper and someone seeking support becomes more equitable. This will result in significantly reducing the potential for people to fall into passive recipients of support and live a fuller life as they wish. In my spare time I enjoy cricket, rugby, the Arsenal, 1980's motors (that I couldn't afford then and cannot afford now) and helping my children discover themselves and the world around them.