"I have been lucky to have access to such a service"

My experience of the Social Inclusion and Wellbeing Service has been excellent. Everyone has been helpful; they listen and get to know me as a person. The Volunteer Co-ordinator has been amazing; the support she has given me. Before I was introduced, I was isolated. It took a while for it to get into action, really due to the issues I have been going through. It has given me structure now that I am doing 2 days a week volunteering. I was referred by my psychiatrist, to get me involved in doing things. It has given me more confidence and given me the opportunity to put my music skills to good use. I also have preparation to do in the week, which gives me structure.

Nothing could have been done better. The staff are empathetic people who understand things. They have helped me to look at my strengths and gently guided me. I have always been given the choice. The people I volunteer with understand my situation. I don’t have to go in if I can’t face it, and when I am there I can leave if I need to. I am learning to be part of a team. I was very isolated. I have been lucky to have access to such a service. It does what it says on the tin – social inclusion.