Looking forward to a brighter future

Big thanks to learner, Jan, who has kindly shared with us her experience of attending the College and how she is now looking forward to a brighter future .

“Hello, my name is Jan. I have lived with several chronic physical and mental health conditions for many years and, due to worsening mobility and increased anxiety I had become quite isolated. I found it difficult to motivate myself, and didn’t think anything could help.

When I attended my first course at the College, I felt a shadow of my former self. I wasn’t sure if it would help in any way, but I knew I couldn’t carry on as I was. I cried during that first session but the facilitator, Sarah, and all the other learners were so kind, that I felt better able to cope and continue with the course. As it progressed, I started to feel less alone, like I wasn’t the only person feeling this way, at the same time as learning new skills.

Following that, I attended the ‘Living Well with Anxiety’ course, and while this was challenging, I had many light bulb moments. I made the huge life-changing decision to leave my job, which was impacting on my health. It was something I had always been scared to do and while this was a massive leap into the unknown, it’s been a huge relief, and I’ve slowly found it easier to cope with life.

I’ve since attended a variety of courses, facilitated by some amazing people, all with ‘lived experience’ who have truly helped me on my recovery journey. I’ve started to get my sense of humour back, and while my confidence isn’t where I’d like it to be, it is improving. With the help of the facilitators and other learners that I’ve met, I’ve started to get a little bit of ‘me’ back – something I wasn’t sure would ever happen. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Living with chronic illness continues to be a challenge, but one that is made so much easier and bearable by attending the Recovery College. I’m really looking forward to attending future courses and hope to get more involved with the College in whatever way I can. Dare I say, my future certainly looks brighter now!”