Where it all began
One of the contributors who took part in Diaries of a Broken Mind was 23 year old Bex Walton, from Kent. She lives with agoraphobia (a fear of leaving the house) amongst several other mental health disorders. When the show aired, Bex couldn't believe the positive response she was getting from people via social networks. People she had never spoken to before in her life. It gave her an idea... What if everyone could have this positive reinforcement?
Three days later, a very basic website was made. The name Minds Like Ours was the original working title of “Diaries of a Broken Mind” and so that was used, to connect the two together. Secret groups were set up on Facebook and Google, inviting people to come and talk about their disorders without the judgement of others.
A week later, several members got the confidence together to make their very own video. The Minds Like Ours introduction video went viral and people such as Derren Brown and Jo Elvin (editor of Glamour magazine) were tweeting about it. That same buzz that Bex felt from Diaries of a Broken Mind, was now being felt by many more people.
Within a month, Minds Like Ours became a non-profit organisation with a board of directors. Enter Callum Carson, Mia Gahan and Bex. Their aim? To raise mental health awareness on a global scale, whilst providing support at the same time. Every decision would be made by the members, meaning it is truly run by those with mental health disorders.
A forum was set up for people to share their ideas, as well as giving and receiving support. That forum now has over 200 members, all of whom have contributed something to the growth of Minds Like Ours (affectionately known as MiLO). Members are encouraged to share their stories, to help raise awareness, either on our YouTube channel or via the blog. Those stories can be private (just for other members to see) or public. Every person then reaps the rewards of that positive reassurance; which in turn builds up confidence.
So where from here?
Now, our tiny idea is becoming a big one. We're a quarter of the way to becoming a registered charity (you need to raise £5,000 to apply). Our forum is bustling with ideas and we hold a Google Hangout every Monday, to discuss those ideas. Everyone gets the option to help make decisions on every aspect of the organisation.
However big we grow and whatever difference we make, will always be down to our members. All those who take their time to volunteer; whether it be a second to retweet something or an hour to write a blog, are making a huge difference. And because of them, Minds Like Ours will continue to be able to provide support to those who may otherwise feel alone.