Stepping Back In

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Three years ago I suffered bereavement and other life challenges that devastated my mental wellbeing. I became very disconnected from myself and the community.

I realised then that I needed help and, while searching for a new doctor, I no�ced the word ‘Community’ in Greenway Community Prac�ce something familiar. I needed to connect. From then on I began to build a rela�onship with them, accessing treatment to get be�er. I was offered trauma counselling ini�ally to help me cope with day-today life. I was then referred to the Social Prescribing service at the Southmead Development Trust and joined a gardening group to meet more women in similar circumstances. Through the service I was also able to go to some swimming sessions at Henleaze Lake and started to make friends.

As I got to grips with all the changes post lock down, I was able to talk things out with my Social Prescribing Link Worker and become familiar with the Trust’s Greenway Centre. A pre-employability course called Find Your Strengths came up and I applied to join. Making more connec�ons with other people like me helped me grow in confidence, and I was almost ready to think about going back to work.

I tapped into all the courses I felt relevant to my recovery and found that the Trust offered much more than I had first realised.

I grew and developed as a person. I found a safe space where people were kind and compassionate and where I felt supported in my efforts to come to terms with the past.

A�er finishing the Find your Strengths Course I was assigned an Employment Mentor, Claire. During our discussions Claire no�ced all the community work I had done over many years, along with teaching and youth work. I was hoping that I could offer these skills in a new working role.

We went through how to write a CV, fill in job applica�ons and prac�ced interviews. I men�oned that I would love to work for an organisa�on like the Trust having received so much help and support there. Claire gave me the advice and encouragement to apply for work with the Trust when a new post became available.

I was thrilled when I was offered a new role with the Recep�on Team, and you will now see me during the evenings and at the weekend at the main desk, or facilita�ng birthday par�es at the Ranch.

Thanks to the incredible people at Southmead Development Trust I feel more confident and posi�ve about life than I have done in years.

Check out all the free courses at the Greenway Centre. Go to: www.southmead.org/ greenwaycommunitylearning

FIND YOUR STRENGTHS If you’ve been inspired by Jane’s story and think that the Find Your Strengths course could help you, please do sign up - everyone is welcome.

NEXT COURSE:

Wednesday 25th January 2023 10am - 12:30pm (6 weeks) Find Your Strengths is for anyone struggling to take their next steps, or feeling held back from making progress in their lives. The course is for adults looking to kick-start their employability or training goals, or simply to get inspira�on for improving wellbeing. It includes a mix of proven psychoeduca�onal techniques and peer interac�on to provide a safe, interac�ve space. Employability skills included are learning interview techniques, CV wri�ng and job applica�ons. We can also provide this course for specific groups. Highly recommended! For more info or to book please email: info@southmead.org, or telephone: 0117 950 3335