Ben Robinson in conversation with Jerome Carson

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Ben Robinson.

Design/methodology/approach

Ben provides a short summary of his life and is then interviewed by Jerome.

Findings

Ben talks about his inpatient treatment for anorexia and his long journey of recovery.

Research limitations/implications

Single case studies provide us with unique insights into the lived experience of people with mental health problems. They often provide us with hints as to how services could be improved.

Practical implications

Ben argues that the voice of service users needs to be heard more by professionals. “The only experts of a mental health problem are the people who have been through a mental health issue themselves”.

Social implications

One of the classic recovery reports talked about “going the extra mile”. Ben talks about how his family therapist would visit him at the end of her working day. As he says, “this was something she didn’t have to do, but wanted to do as she genuinely cared for us”.

Originality/value

Ben is determined to use his experiences for the benefit of others. Even to have helped a single person will be his biggest life achievement.

Citation

Robinson, B. and Carson, J. (2018), "Ben Robinson in conversation with Jerome Carson", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 22 No. 1, pp. 13-17. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-12-2017-0052