Mental Health Ambassador Michelle Partington Takes to Facebook Live to Offer Support During Pandemic

A mental health Ambassador and winner of the Women in Defence Woman of the Year award will be talking about her battle with mental health problems on Facebook Live this Friday 22nd May at 4pm.

Michelle Partington, a former medic in the Royal Air Force, was medically discharged after 23 years exemplary service after becoming extremely ill with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Back on Civvy Street she contemplated suicide, but through sheer determination she became well again and dedicated herself to helping others with mental health issues.

Michelle said: “After being medically discharged I crashed and burned and wanted to end my life.

“I was told that I would never work again and struggled to find a job. However, I am a fighter and became well again and set up my own business delivering mental health.”

Michelle competed in the Invictus Games in 2017 in rowing and powerlifting and in 2018 became a mental health Ambassador, a role which has seen her encourage other to believe in themselves again.

“The world is an uncertain place right now with the Covid-19 pandemic and there will be many people struggling with mental health issues,” she continued.

“I hope my story can help some of them and show that you can get up and strive following a monumental knock down.”

Michelle, who is preparing to row across the Atlantic in 2021, achieved the rank of Flight Lieutenant.

To view the live broadcast visit https://www.facebook.com/theoppofoundation/

Michelle is the latest ex-military speaker to take in the broadcasts, which are being organised by The OppO Foundation to help people struggling with mental health issues during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kayam Iqbal, who founded the charity in 2014 to help ex-military personnel and their families on their return to civilian life, said: “Our objective is to provide inspirational speakers during Covid-19 and hopefully inspire people, motivate and importantly tackle any mental health issues people maybe facing.

“All our speakers have been through mental health issues of their own and as we are all in ‘lockdown’ to hear their stories on the challenges they have faced and how they have overcome them, we feel that this could provide some real positive words of encouragement to the public.”

There will be a Q&A session during each event where the speakers are happy to talk candidly about their experiences and answers any questions viewers may have.

“As a country, now more so than ever, we have to come together, stay strong, stay safe and support one another,” added Kayam.

Kayam, a former RAF Medic/Intelligence Specialist and British Muslim, was medically discharged for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following 11 years’ service, during which he completed tours of both Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Like many others with mental health issues, I find each day a struggle, more so now during lockdown,” he continued.

“However, by bringing people together and hopefully offering an insight into some of these inspirational people, you can see ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ and know you are not alone.”

The OppO Foundation is providing this service at no cost. However, if any viewer wishes to make a donation the money raised will be split between the NHS and the OppO Foundation.

To make a donation visit: https://www.justgiving.com/oppo-foundation.