"Sharing my story with staff has helped me improve my social skills"

I got involved with the Patient Experience Team after I was approached after a meeting in William Wake House at a Service User Group meeting. I started attending BENNs and after that I started to share my experience on staff inductions. Doing this was different from other activities as none of these activities are recorded on my RIO notes which makes me feel less inhibited and not afraid to express my genuine ideas and feelings. Doing this also allows me to develop my social skills. I have really improved my social skills through sharing my story with staff. It has given me a greater sense of pride and responsibility and has also increased my self-respect and my self-worth. I have more confidence with my interactions. I definitely think I have contributed to the work at St Andrew's and feel that my experience has helped new staff to work well and effectively. It has also helped my recovery by helping me to demonstrate my skills to the MDT. This has given me motivation to succeed and made me feel valued and respected as an individual.