Phoebe Anson: SOHAS
I have recently started volunteering for the charity SOHAS as their values are very close to my heart. My role with them is try and get more people aware of the support they offer to people who are struggling with mental and physical illnesses. I think, given the strange and uncomfortable times we find ourselves … Continued
Ruth Durkin: Leaving lockdown? Now I can, I daren’t.
Life since March 2020 has been unusual to say the least. Despite being allowed to go for walks and to the shops whilst social distancing, many people are feeling fed up and stuck at home or at worst; imprisoned. I’ve been suffering from mental health problems for most of my life so in a way … Continued
Ruth Durkin: How to Talk to a Friend
If a friend confides in you that they are feeling unwell in terms of depression, anxiety, stress or any other mental health related condition, it’s important to approach your conversation with integrity, sensitivity and respect. Here are a few examples of responses I have had, some from close friends and family, when I’ve attempted to … Continued
Ella Donnison: Lonely This Christmas
Loneliness is a tough subject. It can feel like there’s no one to talk things through with or even have a conversation with. Loneliness is a complex emotion and is unique to almost every individual. A recent article suggests that almost 700,000 people across Yorkshire live alone and incur mental health problems as a result. … Continued
James Durkin: For Better, For Worse
There are many reasons you might be reading this website. Perhaps you are struggling with your mental health at the moment or have struggled in the past. You may also be here because a loved one, friend or colleague is having difficulties and you want to know what you can do to help them. Whilst … Continued
Peter Shaw: How Volunteering Changed My Life
I’ve written previously about how my experiences of volunteering, particularly with the Time to Change campaign, have helped me to take back control of my story. Inspired by Volunteers’ Week, I wanted to expand further on how joining the movement in 2016 as a Young Champion has changed my life and helped me to grow … Continued
Ruth Durkin: Being a Creative Content Producer at Flourish
I first heard about Sheffield Flourish when I received an invitation in my paid job to attend the launch event. I sat there that day in the Showroom and experienced what I can only describe as FOMO (fear of missing out). I was so excited that such a project was happening in Sheffield and I … Continued
Jack: Do We Need to Start Talking About Our Own Mental Health Differently?
In an attempt to skew this into what can be considered a ‘role-model’ story aligning with this month’s theme, I’m going talk about something that happened with my Dad at the cheeriest of events – a funeral. I promise it’s not as depressing as it sounds (and I’ve chosen to use the D-word as an … Continued
Rob Barnett: 10 Ways to Support People on Benefits
10 ways to support people on benefits 1. Listen and support – Spend time with people you know. Find out how they are doing and show that you’re there for them. Share some of the ideas below. 2. Encourage them to do something that’ll make them feel better – This could be spending time in … Continued