Converge would not be possible without…

Converge is privileged to enjoy the support of  people from many different backgrounds and organisations.

We would not be able to continue our work without them, on this page we take a look at the people who support Converge and say,

‘Thank you, Converge wouldn’t be possible without you’

We will regularly feature new profiles, so keep checking back for updates.

Beverley Hunter
General Manager Forensic, Adult and Specialist Mental Health Services, York

Beverley has been a supporter of Converge from its earliest days. She quickly saw the potential of a partnership with the university and in December 2009 employed Gemma Alldred to work as a full time Education Support Worker who worked as a link between the Trusts Mental Health Services and the University.

Beverley has been a constant source of advice and support. Beverley says about Converge:

I saw a fantastic opportunity for everyone to benefit. The idea seemed a great way to enable service users known to us to access courses at the University and the students at the University benefiting by being part of the delivery of the courses. The University environment offered a totally different setting for people to access a service that was part of improving their mental health. It was a great way for our service users, who don’t always find it easy, to access education.

The spin off for me was also to start to break down the barriers with young people about the stigma that is often associated with those who suffer or are associated with having a mental health problem. A unique opportunity was created in engaging the students with mental health service users in shared learning.

We have had some inspiring service users’ stories of how people have made huge progress in their recovery because of their connections with Converge. Our partnership with the University has been incredible in seeing the benefits and outcomes of Converge for our patients.

Without Beverley, Converge would not have been possible.