Brin Price

Profile

Biography

My name is Brinley Price. I have lived experience of mental health problems and have been diagnosed with paranoid psychosis since the age of 20. After a difficult childhood, during which I was sent to a boarding school specializing in children with support needs, I became long-term unemployed and spent my twenty-fifth Christmas Day in a hostel for homeless men. Being a ‘New Age Traveller’ for two years gave me some fun and adventure but also led to further damage.

Then, after a ‘eureka’ moment, I strove to achieve and went to university at the age of 29. I attained a first-class honours degree, an MA with Distinction and a DPhil in English Literature. I qualified as an adult education teacher, taught English Literature to Access students, then reminiscence writing to adult learners and creative writing to vulnerable adults.

After teaching for fifteen years, I had a mental health relapse and had to retire early. I have been in the SUPA Group for over 5 years, am involved with a nature reserve and have brought out a book of nature poems. I also campaign against stigma and discrimination towards people with mental health problems.