Bolton Community Champion Asma Patel

I am a 47 year old Gujrati speaking, British Asian. A proud mother of two, aged 20 and 24, and I am an English teacher by profession. I have resided in Bolton, Astley Bridge for the last 24 years. I am a Mental Health and Physical Wellbeing Champion. After having had firsthand experience of the vast array of physical, mental and emotional symptoms of peri menopause and menopause, I have undertaken extensive research and educated myself about the impact of fluctuating hormones and its available treatments. I am particularly passionate about sharing experiences and effective self-care strategies, offering advice or simply lending a listening ear with care, patience and empathy. In the words of Harper Lee “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … Until you climb into his skin and walk around in it” (Atticus Finch in To Kill Mocking Bird).

I am acutely aware that we are currently undergoing a mental health crisis, both in  Bolton and globally. I am particularly, but not exclusively, keen and  passionate about supporting the South Asian community, as I feel that issues surrounding mental health are not openly and widely discussed as there is a prevalent stigma attached to mental health  issues surrounding areas such as: suicide, depression, bereavement, substance misuse, dementia, divorce and many more.