Speak Up CIC, Margate. In this episode of Peace Unplugged, we dive deep into the heart of Speak Up CIC, a peer support project. Join me as I speak with Maggie and Kay, who share their inspiring journey of establishing the organization in 2011. They discuss the importance of maintaining an independent voice in mental health services and the challenges they face in a system increasingly driven by numbers rather than people. The conversation highlights the critical role of community support, the significance of individual journeys, and the transformative power of peer-led initiatives. Maggie and Kay reflect on their experiences with previous organizations, the evolution of mental health services, and the necessity of creating safe spaces for individuals to express themselves. They emphasize the value of listening and being heard, which fosters healing and confidence among members. Through engaging stories and insights, they illustrate how creative expression and community involvement can lead to personal growth and resilience. This episode is a powerful reminder of the human connection that underpins mental health support and the ongoing fight against stigma. Tune in to understand how Speak Up CIC is making a difference in the lives of many and how you can be part of this vital conversation. 00:00 - Peace Unplugged speaks to Speak up CIC about peer support 05:14 - Maggie says it's about people having somewhere safe they can go 10:26 - Nelson College London has helped tackle mental health stigma 14:36 - Rethink ran personality to peer support service for five years 16:30 - If we say we want something, usually it happens 17:14 - What brings you peace Kate? Music. What sort of music do you like? 21:18 - No funding at all. So our members subscribe, and then the members make beautiful things