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She saved my life tonight and she doesn’t even know it

Posted By SurvivingPsychiatry

"She saved my life tonight and she doesn’t even know it"

About: NHS 24 / Breathing Space (Phoneline)

(as a service user),

Tonight I contacted Breathing Space through Webchat and I was connected to Geraldine. I was struggling with intrusive suicidal thoughts and I’ve spoken to Geraldine in the past and she is one advisor who can always calm me down and make me feel safe, listened to and calm. 

Instead of changing the subject or referring me to other agencies, Geraldine is not afraid to tackle the situation at hand. She is also not afraid to discuss suicidal thoughts when some advisors shy away from this. She helps me untangle my thoughts, she listens to me and makes me feel seen. 

I was in a really bad headspace tonight before contacting Breathing Space through Webchat, and Geraldine made me laugh. She always remembers me as I do her and asks about my cat. It’s the small things that can make you feel cared for. I’m so thankful that I got to speak to my favourite advisor tonight as she got me from feeling very suicidal to laughing and putting a smile on my face. I feel much calmer after speaking to Geraldine and I really hope she gets to know what a difference she makes to my life. She saved my life tonight and she doesn’t even know it. 

I really wish I could meet her in person and give her the biggest cuddle because if I could I would. Geraldine is an absolute credit to Breathing Space and I hope she gets this feedback. I wish her a ton of love and happiness in life. 

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Responses

Response from Shona Lawrence, Clinical Governance Lead, Nursing and Care, NHS 24 2 years ago
Shona Lawrence
Clinical Governance Lead, Nursing and Care,
NHS 24

Submitted on 10/02/2023 at 12:16
Published on Care Opinion at 12:16

picture of Shona Lawrence

Dear Surviving Psychiatry

Thank you so very much for your feedback.

I see almost all of the stories which come to us through Care Opinion and sometimes a story just stops you in your tracks. Yours is such a story. What a powerful and heartfelt expression of your appreciation of the service provided by Geraldine, one of our Breathing Space Advisors. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I was extremely moved when I read what you had written. I sincerely hope you are doing well.

I manage a lot of feedback for NHS 24, including Breathing Space, and I have seen compliments for Geraldine previously. She is clearly providing a fantastic service for callers to Breathing Space which your story confirms. To say that someone actually saved your life is amazing to hear. It’s what seems like simple things, such as Geraldine remembering you, she knows you have a cat, she listens and most importantly ‘makes you feel seen’. All of this is hugely important and can make an immense difference to someone’s day and can influence how they see themselves and their value.

I will indeed ensure your feedback is shared with Geraldine and the wider Breathing Space Team. What a fantastic reminder of the brilliant work the Advisors do and how their positive interactions can have a hugely important impact on someone’s life.

If you have a burning desire to engage with us further about your experience, then I would be delighted to hear from you. You can call me on 07814 299944 or by email at Patient.Experience@nhs24.scot.nhs.uk

Thanks again and best wishes for the future. Please don’t hesitate to call Breathing Space or our dedicated Mental Health Hub should you feel you need support.

Best wishes

Shona

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