HEROES is 'bold new chapter for mental health services'

A first-of-its-kind mental health recovery programme that offers a holistic and educational approach to emotional recovery has launched in Leeds.

- by Jennifer Cartwright

The HEROES programme is now delivered citywide through the Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service-the first time a programme of its kind has been integrated into the NHS on this scale.

HEROES was developed by mental health educator, activist and motivational speaker Miranda Arieh. At 14 years old, Miranda was sectioned under the Mental Health Act and became a long-term service user. She decided to use lessons from her experience to try and change the system.

Miranda said: "Waiting lists for mental health services continue to climb, and after 16 years of being passed around services, labelled, medicated and retraumatised by the lack of care and options I experienced, I remain determined to change things for the better.