Antonio Ferreira

Antonio Ferreira, a second year Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience student, is an award-winning mental health activist and anti-racism campaigner. He was diagnosed with Undifferentiated Schizophrenia and Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder as a teenager, and he has used his own lived experiences to make a difference by advising organisations and has even advised Eastenders on their Schizophrenia storyline. Antonio won the Diana Award which was set up in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, to empower young people to lead change, inspire action and create opportunities. He appeared on Radio 1 alongside the Prince & Princess of Wales. Antonio has achieved a lot but says: “my biggest achievement is being happy and finding purpose. When you struggle with mental health, it can feel like you’re a floating boat in the world but once you figure out what you want to do and how you want to help people, you become more grounded and content.”  

“I like to remind people not to worry about feeling nervous in class because the truth is that 99% of people are also nervous. It can be difficult to be an activist and a student at the same time, but it definitely improves your multitasking and time management skills! If you let people know what you’re doing, they will be there to support and accommodate you.” 

Antonio has been part of the Enactus Essex Society, the Islamic Society and has played Futsal with the Blades. He says “I’ve always been trapped where my services are but coming to Essex has allowed me to explore and get out of London.”  

You can find more about Antonio and his work on his Instagram @antonioferreira_mh