Hope Virgo is an author, mental health advocate, speaker and media spokesperson – she’s also a friend and one of the bravest people I know.
The story of Hope’s recovery from anorexia is as remarkable as it is inspiring, and she uses her experiences and wider mental health knowledge to inform and educate a wide range of audiences. Hope is also the driving force behind the #DumpTheScales campaign which has seen eating disorders debated in Parliament on two occasions in 2019.
Hope’s book “Stand Tall Little Girl”, and the story of my own experiences “Today, Just Like Yesterday” were both produced by the mental health publisher Trigger Press; and as well as sharing a publisher, we have decided to see if it might be possible to share a stage for the very first time and do a joint event, talk or presentation in 2020.
There are quite a few obstacles to overcome ... we live at opposite ends of the country for a start; but here is a link to some of the talks and sessions that Hope offers just in case you happen to be based in Yorkshire or the north east and be part of an organisation that might be looking (or know of an organisation that is looking) to raise awareness of mental health, to learn, and to be inspired - and for one time only, you'll get me too!
Ever since we met last April, Hope and I have remained in regular contact; and it would both an absolute pleasure and a genuine privilege to share a stage with a young woman who works so tirelessly and selflessly to make a difference. If you want to get in touch, Hope can be contacted via her website - we'd love to hear from you.
The story of Hope’s recovery from anorexia is as remarkable as it is inspiring, and she uses her experiences and wider mental health knowledge to inform and educate a wide range of audiences. Hope is also the driving force behind the #DumpTheScales campaign which has seen eating disorders debated in Parliament on two occasions in 2019.
Hope’s book “Stand Tall Little Girl”, and the story of my own experiences “Today, Just Like Yesterday” were both produced by the mental health publisher Trigger Press; and as well as sharing a publisher, we have decided to see if it might be possible to share a stage for the very first time and do a joint event, talk or presentation in 2020.
There are quite a few obstacles to overcome ... we live at opposite ends of the country for a start; but here is a link to some of the talks and sessions that Hope offers just in case you happen to be based in Yorkshire or the north east and be part of an organisation that might be looking (or know of an organisation that is looking) to raise awareness of mental health, to learn, and to be inspired - and for one time only, you'll get me too!
Ever since we met last April, Hope and I have remained in regular contact; and it would both an absolute pleasure and a genuine privilege to share a stage with a young woman who works so tirelessly and selflessly to make a difference. If you want to get in touch, Hope can be contacted via her website - we'd love to hear from you.