"They've encouraged my strengths" - Derbyshire mental health support
Stuart and Ben, who are setting up their own art group at P3 Ilkeston as part of the Recovery service
People using Derbyshire’s Recovery & Peer Support service, delivered partly by P3, have gathered across the county to share their perspectives on the support they’ve received.
The Erewash feedback event took place at the Ilkeston hub on Bath Street, where positive feedback included the benefit of group activities such as the breakfast club, and just the fact of having someone there to talk to and listen when they needed.
“I was in a dark place…and now things are looking up”
Clark has been receiving support for a year and has recently set up his own business as a photographer through the Princes Trust. He said:
“I feel good, positive. I was in a dark place; I was transferred to the service from hospital and things are looking up. It helps keep my morale up, coming here and speaking to people. I might not always come to the groups every week, but I’m always welcome.”
The service is run in partnership with Rethink Mental Illness and the Derbyshire Federation for Federation for Mental Health, and provides face-to-face and telephone support, as well as arranging weekly community groups and social outings to help improve and maintain people’s mental health and wellbeing. A forthcoming Art Group is being launched in November by Stuart and Ben, who use the service and want to offer peer support for others.
David, who studied fine art and has exhibited his work in the past, also received support from the service.
“After my father died, I had a year of anxiety and depression, using alcohol and not really doing anything; I was static.
“I went through rehab and did a detox after seeing someone at Derbyshire Recovery Partnership. I started with P3 in June so I’ve had a few months of support. They’ve encouraged my strengths, like art, and my ability to help other people; I’ve now gone back to work as a night support worker.”
Artwork by David: ‘Vanity Fair’, Oil on board
Carly Fox, Mental Health Recovery Worker said:
“I saw one of our client’s partners recently and she was saying the difference she’s noticed in him since starting support, he’s been much more motivated.
“When we first met some of the people we support, they wouldn’t initiate conversations – now you can’t stop them!”
For more information on this service or how to refer, please see information on the P3 Derbyshire Recovery & Peer Support webpage or at Rethink Mental Illness.
