Rob Gee worked for twelve years as a registered nurse in inpatient mental health units around England, Scotland and Australia. Working mainly in adult mental health, he also worked in child and adolescent units, drug and alcohol services, dementia settings, eating disorders, early psychosis intervention and psychiatric intensive care.
Rob currently has three solo shows about mental health. One of these, Forget Me Not: The Alzheimer's Whodunnit, has been used by several NHS trusts to train healthcare staff in ethics and reporting concerns. He regularly leads bespoke comedy, improvisation, poetry and creative writing workshops in inpatient mental health settings, as well as for artists interested in mental health. He is lead artist for the Comedy Asylum and patron of Leicestershire Action for Mental Health Project (LAMP).
Rob regularly performs at health events and conferences around the U.K. Clients include The Department of Health, various NHS Trusts, Unison, Social Care Institute for Excellence, Care Services Improvement Partnership and Mind.
Developed in collaboration with Freedom to Speak Up, 'Forget Me Not - The Alzheimer's Whodunnit' is now part of a training package around ethics and reporting concerns.
Rob has been commissioned to write witty shows, poems and songs about everything from strategic commissioning to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Themes include the therapeutic uses of creative activity, implications of labelling and stigmatization, ethical issues, user empowerment, social inclusion, points of good practice and troubleshooting.
Comedy and poetry can offer a dynamic and enjoyable new way to support the wellbeing of your staff. A workforce that thinks creatively can find it easier to solve problems, which ultimately leads to a happier workplace.
One of my patients enjoyed reflecting on the session and telling me about the poem which developed his recall and communication skills. Attending the session was beneficial for his recovery in regards to social interaction and adhering to social norms.
Some of the young people are wondering whether Rob is coming again this week and if so what time. This is so that they can arrange visits around this, which is amazing feedback in itself!
Deputy Ward Manager, CAMHS Inpatient Unit, Leicester
I’ve been to so many places and never fit in. This is the first time I felt like I belonged. I nearly wasn’t coming, because I was so nervous, but I came away with a smile on my face. It’s opened my eyes to a whole different thing. I wish I’d known about this years ago!
I never realised I could be funny and spontaneous until I practiced these creative skills in the sessions. It’s been liberating and had a positive impact on my mental health.