Andy

How did you come to receive support from
MST?

I had my own flat, but got really poorly and went to hospital. I went to Ashcroft Supported Lodging, a sort of halfway house. That’s when I met my support worker, Joan.

That was in 2003, so she’s been my support worker for six years. I got more support then because I wasn’t doing too well. When I got a new place out of hospital, Joan made sure I had carpet, furniture and that. She used to take me shopping and come around to my house to help me there. We still have coffee mornings as a group and go on walking trips.

Now I’m doing so well, I don’t see so much of her, but we keep in touch. I see Joan and the staff at the coffee morning once a week.

What do you think of the services you receive?

Me and Joan – and all the team – always get on really well. We can have fun me and Joan, we have a laugh. It's a good service and Joan and her team are very helpful and nice.

With the help I’ve had I’ve become more independent. When I was really ill I isolated myself. Not now. Things I wouldn’t do before I do now without thinking. I don’t worry. In the last two years I’ve been on holiday on my own – which I hadn’t done for years and years. I went to Blackpool for five days, and a little into the holiday my brother and his family came down as well.

Tell us about the Regional Service User Group.

My favourite thing about the support I receive is meeting up with the other service users. I’m on a Regional Service User Group. I go along, I’m quite quiet mostly. I probably need a bit more confidence to speak up, but I appreciate what they’re trying to do. Other people should have a chance to have their say, so they should join up.

Have you got any hobbies?

We go on walking trips as a group. An service user sets it up and we go out once a month. I enjoy it so much I got myself a Derby walking book and do some of the walks myself.  We raised some money for Derby Mind last year. We did that with Hartington House. Doctors say it’s good for you, physical exercise and that: mentally and physically.

I’ve also got a guitar that I’m trying to play and I’ve got a good collection of CDs. I listen to a mixture of music from the 60s, 70s and 80s. It’s a little sad, but my favourite artist is Elvis Presley.

What for the future?

I hope to get some kind of employment. I’d like to ease my way in part time. I’ve been to interviews a couple of times, but nothing yet. I wouldn’t mind conservation work: I tried some before, clearing out rivers and stuff, putting up fences. But it’s hard to get anything at the moment.

Andy receives mental health-related floating support in Derby.

Service user fun day

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Michael’s blog

Michael is a service user who decided to volunteer. He writes about his experiences in the forum and will answer your questions. Visit Michael’s blog

 

By giving up some of their time to help us build on the good work we do, volunteers make a real difference to people’s lives