Vera* was referred to us by her support worker, as after a long period of unemployment she was feeling socially isolated, and lacking in confidence and self-esteem. She joined our Road to Recovery Programme in Easington, a 12-week course aimed at people with a mental health need who want to socialise and make new friends, improve their confidence and self-esteem, learn new things and be introduced to other local organisations who can offer ongoing advice and support.

Vera attended each and every session; her confidence gradually built week after week, she became much more open in the group, and even began to lead certain discussions. Each week she would arrive early to support staff in setting up the group room, and was always happy to provide feedback to support us to improve future courses.

At the end of the programme Vera supported staff in setting up a market-place event where participants could meet and talk to other local support providers. Vera was fantastic, liaising with professionals from other services as well as other people who’d attended the course. She participated with confidence, and told us she felt much better in herself being part of something meaningful.

Since her successful completion of the Road To Recovery programme Vera has also applied for a volunteering role at MHM, supporting staff to facilitate future Road To Recovery sessions. She can now see a future for herself working with vulnerable people with mental health issues and supporting them to engage with their community, passing on what she’s learned from her own experiences.

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* This case study is from a real client of MHM, but the names have been changed and the photo has been staged by an actor to protect their privacy.