Ian Callaghan

I'm a facilitator, campaigner and keen advocate for recovery in secure mental health care. For the past few years I've been supporting an increased recovery and outcomes focus in secure care across the country.

I facilitate nine quarterly regional Recovery and Outcomes Groups, which share best practice and enable discussion of difficultes and developments in secure care. We bring together service users, service providers and commissioners in dialogue about how to improve services.

I was recently a judge for the National Service User Awards, which showcased the very best initiatives and projects in secure care. Held at Silverstone Circuit, it was a really exciting day. It culminated in me being given a surprise Special Mention Award for outstanding Contribution to service user involvement, which was a complete shock. I can only do what I do because I have great support from others.

For the past few years, I've been a campaigner with Rethink Mental Illness and was their Member of the Year 2012. I'm delighted that they are committed to improving secure care. It's already part of their Innovation Network and we're hoping to start a big campaign soon.

Outside of all this, I love art, music and going to concerts. I enjoy living in Oxford, where spring is definitely in the air...