If you ask me…Laura Lea

Laura Lea is a member of Capital, a West Sussex mental health service user organisation, and is a carer

Who has influenced you the most?
A family friend was interested in hearing what I had to say. He asked me questions about why the world is the way it is; it
made me think about politics, class and society.

Which professional has helped you the most?
A Scope worker who let me attend a training course, even though I didn’t fit the criteria. It gave me enough confidence to take up the opportunities Capital offered.

What one thing would you change about care services in your area?
Improve funding in West Sussex.

What one thing would make your life better?
A secure job at hours I can manage that pays me more than £5.80 an hour.

What is your favourite book?
Women Who Run With Wolves by Clarrisa Pincola Estes.

If you won the lottery how would you spend it?
I’d buy a field and grow organic vegetables.

What is your greatest achievement?
Just keeping going.

What makes you angry?
Anyone who believes that they have the right to lord it over other people because of their gender, religion, race or class.

Who would you like to swap places with?
In the words of Bon Jovi, “this is my life”.

Who do you most admire?
A very elderly woman I know. She raised a family, held down a job and kept faith.