Matty Caine
Founder/CEO
MBA, PGDip, PGCert, BSc (Hons), registered mental health nurse, NLP Master Practitioner, Stategic Coach, FRSA
What is your role and day-to day activities at First Person Project?
I am the Founder/Chief Executive Officer at First Person Project CIC. As Founder/CEO, I originally conceived the idea for FPP, I also established the business. I am responsible for setting the strategic direction, making major decisions, and managing the overall operations and resources of the business. I am main point of communication between the board of directors and I am ultimately accountable for the company's success or failure. I lead the development of our short- and long-term strategy, create and implement our vision and mission, and ensure that the company maintains high social responsibility wherever it does business. Finally, due to my clinical background and current professional registration, I serve as the Clinical/Safeguarding Lead for all activities at FPP.
What connection/experience have you had with mental health?
I am currently in my 19th year as a mental health professional, having worked extensively across the sector in a variety of positions. From a personal perspective, I supported my Mum to manage her difficulties with mental health for many years. I have also experienced my own challenges with poor mental health and suicide. In many ways, it is the culmination of these things which inspired the founding of FPP.
What is your role and day-to day activities at First Person Project?
What connection/experience have you had with mental health?
If you had a day off to recharge your mental health, what would your ideal day look like? What activities would you enjoy?
I am still working on my personal development and this is an aspect of my life which requires more investment. Common opinion might be that the leader of a mental health organisation would have a rock-solid strategy for maintaining great mental health, but the truth is that I don’t. I have worked extremely hard for many years to support the development of First Person Project – this has been something which has helped me, no end - however, I still have work to do in this area and I am committed to do so. I recently became a Father and I am absolutely loving every minute of this – Lochlan has brought joy and purpose into my life which I didn’t realise could exist. I love spending time with him and our family. I also enjoy football, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, cooking and reading.
What's the most memorable piece of advice you've received regarding mental health, and how has it influenced your approach?
That ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship – in other words, life is difficult by nature, but it is through this difficulty that we grow, learn and, ultimately, prosper. I come from very humble beginnings and I am extremely proud of my social background – my mental health education begun as a child growing up in Everton, Liverpool 6. I’ll always remember this and the lessons I learnt from great people – especially my Mum.
What is your role and day-to day activities at First Person Project?
What do you enjoy most about working for First Person Project?
What connection/experience have you had with mental health?
I love how we are able to offer to support to anybody – because we choose to. I love how we refuse to make excuses or prevent people from accessing help when they need it. I love how we are committed to removing barriers at every turn. I love that we never shy away from a challenge. I love that we are able to work with big smiles on our faces. We are small, but we are mighty.
What positive attributes do you bring to the First Person Project team?
I bring passion, energy, dedication and experience to the FPP team. I think that I am good with people, I think I offer a good reason to follow my lead. I have a lot of skills, but I am even better at knowing when somebody is better than I am at a particular skill, and then getting out of their way and letting them do a fantastic job.
What is your role and day-to day activities at First Person Project?