Brigid Bowen

Biography

Brigid Bowen is the Founder and Director of Compassionate Mental Health, a community interest company that offers experiential learning retreats and online/in-person training to catalyse change in the mental health system.

Compassionate Mental Health brings together all those interested in improving mental health services. Since 2016, Brigid has organised 14 residential retreats where experts by experience, family and friend supporters, and mental health professionals have gathered to explore compassionate, relational approaches to mental health care. As a BBC-trained journalist, freelance writer, and editor, Brigid is interested in health, education, and wellbeing. She is also the Chair of Trustees of Cardiff Steiner School and a student of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Brigid’s personal journey with psychosis and recovery – and her experience of different treatment approaches – inspired her to focus on the benefits of non-coercive, healing-focused environments. She will reflect on the theme of the conference and some vital ingredients of patient-friendly services and share insights from the wider Compassionate Mental Health community.

All sessions