WORLD champion boxing legend Frank Bruno rolled with the punches when he was given a tour of Grimsby's mental health services yesterday.
He visited the town as part of the Navigo Health and Social Care – the area's mental health service – AGM at Tukes, Brighowgate, Grimsby.
Frank was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after his retirement from the ring and is now campaigning for better services for patients nationally.
His visit yesterday saw him tour North East Lincolnshire's mental health facilities which he later said were "the best I have ever seen".
His own experiences have enabled him to understand the pressure and barriers other sufferers face.
During his time in Grimsby he spoke to mental health patients, who all had positive words to say about the treatment they receive.
Frank said: "These people here are well looked after, they seem relaxed and happy, it's not like a prison cell, people are not zombies.
"I have had some rough experiences of mental institutions and been in places that are really not nice.
"Navigo's services are clean, friendly and I would be very happy to be treated in them."
More than a hundred people, who have connections in various ways to Navigo, attended the AGM where Frank held a question and answer session.
He made the audience laugh on several occasions, but one member asked him what he wanted to do in the future. Frank replied: "Take each day as it comes, eat well, be happy and if any problems come my way deal with them and move on."
Sharon Williams, 50, of Grimsby, was delighted to have a chat with Frank.
She is a service user of Navigo and has had a personality disorder since the age of 11.
She said: "It is great that Frank came and had a look round all the units.
"It is good that he is now aware of what goes on here as hopefully he will be able to tell others and raise the profile of Navigo."
Rachel Carter, 43, of Grimsby, is also a service user and has paranoid schizophrenia.
She said: "Frank is a great role model as he says he is only human and mental illnesses can affect anyone at anytime.
"I found it really interesting listening to what he had to say."
Tom Hunter, chairman of Navigo, said: "A lot of high-profile people who have a mental health condition keep it hidden from the public.
"We were absolutely delighted to welcome Frank, who is campaigning to help get the best for mental health patients.
"It was a privilege to have met him and we thank him for his time."
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