Re:Vision strives to create an open and welcoming atmosphere for volunteers with mental health problems. 1 in 4 of us will have some kind of mental health problem over the course of our lives, and anecdotal evidence suggests that people with mental health problems disproportionately use drugs (and become drug law reformers...). However, too often people with mental health problems are not given a voice over their own treatment and support services. While some may not have the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves, the majority of people with mental disorders are experts on what is happening to them and what help they want and need to live their lives - and they should be listened to.

Nearly 80,000 children and young people suffer from depression and many more have other mental disorders. A recent survey found that 45% of 11-35 year-olds had taken at least one drug; the highest usage was amongst the 16-22 age group. It doesn’t matter how bright they are, which school they attend or what kind of background they are from. Some young people take drugs as a way of dealing with their mental discomfort - for others, using drugs exacerbates their problems. In both cases, appropriate care and treatment needs to be tailored to the needs of young people instead of service providers. The YoungMinds Children & Young People's Manifesto identifies numerous areas, in schools, the health service, and social services, where children and young people are alienated from the system that is supposed to be helping them out. Young people with drug problems are doubly affected by this approach.

The Re:Vision Drug Policy Network is a proud member of the YoungMinds Children & Young People's Manifesto alliance. We have an extensive Equality and Diversity Policy section dedicated to involving people with mental health problems within our organisation and they are additionally well represented in the decision making processes of our organisation. We are committed to breaking down barriers to participation for everyone where possible.

If you are a person with a mental health problem who would like to be involved in Re:Vision, our volunteering page is here.