Living with Schizoaffective disorder has been a challenging and transformative journey. I’ve faced mental health struggles from a young age and, unfortunately, have been sectioned and detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act multiple times. After a particularly difficult period in 2013, I struggled to rebuild my life. Unable to hold down a job, I felt lost and disconnected from the world around me.
It was through the NHS Community Restart team, a service similar to today’s social prescribing service and the CPET – Community Prevention and Engagement Team, that I began to find my footing again. My key worker played a crucial role in this process. I’ll never forget a humorous moment when he invited me to a peer support group—his accent made me think he was asking about a “PS4 group.” I laughed, saying I wasn’t into gaming, and once we clarified, we shared a lighthearted moment that broke the ice.
Alongside introducing me to Chorley Peer Support in 2015, the Community Restart team encouraged me to join The Volunteering Academy. It was there that I met Jackie, the volunteer coordinator and Centre Manager at Clayton Brook Community House. Jackie became a mentor and close friend, guiding me as I volunteered at the community house. This opportunity helped me rebuild my confidence and develop new skills. I also worked alongside Val, a friendly and supportive colleague. Val made a lasting impact on me, even going out of her way to make me a cake for my birthday one year, which we enjoyed during one of our team bonding events. I continued to volunteer there until January 2018, when the community house sadly closed.
At Chorley Peer Support, the group facilitator, Gillian, was a volunteer who also had mental health concerns, and she became a close friend. Gillian was truly inspiring—her ability to facilitate the group while managing her own challenges showed me that it was possible to make a meaningful difference, despite personal struggles. When Gillian wasn’t able to attend, I had the opportunity to step in and gain experience as a peer support group facilitator, leading a small group. This experience boosted my confidence and belief in my own abilities, and Gillian’s encouragement played a big part in inspiring me to pursue my own community project.
With Jackie’s mentorship and Val’s support, I found a sense of purpose and community during a time when I desperately needed it. It’s heartwarming that, after all these years, Jackie and I are now working together again—this time as colleagues, with Jackie serving as a trustee for My Space. Val is also now a valued trustee of My Space, bringing her kindness and dedication to this new project.
Chorley Peer Support, which ran until 2023, became a cornerstone in my recovery. The group’s structure, “check-ins,” and emphasis on confidentiality created a safe space that positively influenced my turbulent journey aiming towards mental health stability. My experience with this group, alongside the encouragement I received from Jackie, Val, and Gillian, inspired me to establish My Space. I wanted to create a space where others could find the same belonging, support, and mentorship that made such a difference in my own recovery/ journey…
