Derek Sanders - Service User Governor, Suffolk

Term of office started 1 February 2019

Being diagnosed with bipolar as a young man, I have been in hospital on many occasions. Recently, this was from January 2014 until April 2015. Community care followed this, which is ongoing.

This gave me a good understanding of mental health services and the challenges they face. 

As Governor, I aim to help the Trust deliver the best services and improve mental awareness and wellbeing.

I am a retired company executive who was responsible for developing business alliances. I managed diverse organisations to achieve common business goals and objectives. 

I am a volunteer for Norfolk and Suffolk Recovery College.

I have been a member of the Trust since 2017. This led to taking part in the Recovery College and Royal College of Psychiatrists.​