Mental health support: how Daniel used his experience to help others
Volunteer Daniel shares how his own experience of mental health challenges led him to support others, and find new confidence.
“When I started volunteering, I didn’t know what I could do. It was the support and faith of the staff and volunteers around me that showed me all that I could do and helped me learn even more. I was able to transform myself and feel like I had strength and purpose.
“By supporting people, I got to meet people from many walks of life and learn from their wisdom and experience. I learned from a wide range of cultures, peoples and histories. Some of these expanded my world and others were little things that helped me keep myself well. From this, I have become stronger and feel more belonging in life.
“I started volunteering because I felt that no one should have to go through mental health difficulties alone. After years of volunteering, I feel that there is no better thing to do than help someone through challenging times.”
It was from volunteering that I found what I wanted to do with my life. It helped me learn and grow and has led me to both work and a career.
Could you volunteer as a Peer Mentor in Camden or Hampshire?
Do you have experience of mental health difficulties - your own, or from supporting a friend or family member? Like Daniel, you could volunteer to support others to make positive changes to their lives.
You might offer practical help, like attending appointments with the person you’re mentoring, helping them find work or education, or finding social groups and activities in the community. You can also offer emotional support, and be there to listen without judgement.
Training courses are usually offered every 3 months.
To find out more or to book onto a training course, contact Antoinette on 07770 012 961 or email antoinette.simms@voiceability.org.