"You were a safe place and felt like people I knew"

I used to call Breathing Space very regularly about a year ago. I vividly remember James, Margaret, Brenda, Fiona (who was an ex CPN), Geraldine and George.

I was a student - now a full time working professional - dealing with horrendous anxiety. Mum with early onset dementia, lost my granny two weeks after her diagnosis in a car accident. Sister with a learning disability.

I can’t count the number of nights Breathing Space kept me sane, I remember so many times ringing in a hell of a state - even the night my granny died - and being calmed down by people who remembered me and genuinely seemed to care. I remember once even (I’m sure Margaret but maybe Geraldine) reading to me from a book on relaxation and saying ‘I’ll know when you’re asleep, because you’ll stop chatting, and I’ll hang up!’ 

I rang tonight and spoke to George - who remembers me - and I was able to tell George I have graduated, I have a job, I have a rented house, I have friends, I have mostly good mental health. I manage to go out every day. I look after myself. I even volunteer at the weekends. 

I have no doubt that a huge part of that was the listening you guys did. You were a safe place and you felt like people I knew, almost, at times. You deserve every single award going. I don’t know how to thank you, because I know confidentiality so I don’t think I can phone to pass on a message - but I think you can show them this - please, please do. I’m hoping the story should be identifying enough to remember. You are all wonderful people - I work now in a highly specialist mental health setting and every day I remember the help I got - from people who listened, didn’t judge - just listened and cared and understood. Amazing. 

Thank you so much xxx