Alison Faulkner is a survivor researcher and trainer in mental health with over 25 years’ experience of working in mental health research and consultancy. She has worked for most of the major mental health charities, including the Mental Health Foundation, the Centre for Mental Health, NSUN (the National Survivor User Network), Mind, Rethink and Together for Mental Wellbeing. Alison has personal experience of using mental health services, including inpatient care, medication, psychotherapy and crisis services. She has written and presented extensively on the subject. She is currently studying for her PhD at City University: on the role and value of experiential knowledge in mental health research.