David Stokes has worked in a variety of rolesĀ in London's mental health and addiction services for two decades, focusing on the creative and personal development of his clients. Over the past several years he's worked in a residential scenario specialising in the care and support of adults with a primary diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia.
He is an experienced counsellor (Gestalt/addictions) and a playwright and director active on the London Fringe theatre scene. Often his plays include mental health and existentialist themes.This year he'll be stepping back from frontline mental health work to concentrate more on facilitating drama groups for those with long-term and acute psychiatric diagnoses