A family man who has devoted the past 20 years of his life tirelessly supporting carers of mentally ill patients said mental illness was no different to caring for someone with a broken leg or diabetes.

Regular churchgoer and secretary of the Kingston Mental Health Carers’ Forum Alan Moss, 67, became involved in mental health after somebody close to him had a mental illness diagnosed.

He said: “I want to work to make people realise it’s just like having any other illness, even like diabetes, because after all it is only an illness. Mental health is still stigmatised today – although it has got better in recent years.”

The Chessington man and founding member of the carers’ forum charity has met carers of people who suffer from depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.

He regularly visits Tolworth Hospital to have a chat with them and their suffering family members.

Mr Moss said: “Sometimes sufferers are so convinced it is a Wednesday when it is actually a Monday.

“When carers talk about some of the strange behaviours they encounter there is often light at the end of the tunnel – almost like a safety valve. It’s being able to laugh in a nice way about a difficult situation.

“There is a lot to smile about. Even mental health sufferers often joke about the situation when they are a bit more stable.”

Mr Moss, a father-of-three and a keen listener, has been married for 45 years to his wife Lynne Moss who works at Kingston Hospital. He enjoys boating, photography and has recently become fascinated with aviation.

He said: “I fell in love with flying but it’s a very expensive pastime.”

Mr Moss, a semi-retired audio and video engineering consultant, attends numerous meetings to help the forum progress.

Chairman of the Kingston Mental Health Carers’ Forum Victor Cuthbert said: “Without the work done by Alan, the forum would probably have folded by now.

“He is very positive, optimistic and proactive with a good sense of humour.”

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