"I'm very grateful for this programme"

Was off work due to diabetes and low mood. My level of energy was down, felt like sleeping all the time, couldn't find the motivation for my daily care and work.

Was mostly sad and feeling kind of hopeless and without any kind of direction, very lost. Didn't know what direction to take moving forward in life, nothing really seemed to bring any joy our fulfilment.

Was both mentally and physically sick. Learn about CMP , Condition  Management Programme through job and benefits centre. Thought at that time the programme sounded very interesting and suitable to my condition.

I really wanted to feel better but I didn't think I could do it alone, and reading about the programme I thought that was it, the support that I needed.

Entering the programme I met my key worker Lucia. Her kind words, kind motivation and guidance, through out the programme, gave me the courage to put myself out there.

Learnt a lot as well with my dietitian Maria. All the group sessions that I took part gave me all the tools to overcome my daily struggles, and learnt a lot  about my condition and myself.

The knowledge that I received in  all the sessions really got me thinking about what I want to do, and how to achieve it. It's not a miracle, that will happen overnight, it's about knowing about these conditions that are overwhelming us, and giving us the tools to overcome them, knowing that we are not the only ones in that situation and there is a way out of this rut.

For me what stuck the most was the importance of small steps, small actions to break the vicious cycle that kept me from going places, the importance of self care, how to handle stress, anxiety, the importance of  a balanced diet, exercise, sleep, how to keep at bay all the unhelpful thoughts, that can be all consuming, and how to get more confident through assertiveness.

All the occupational therapists that taught us in our sessions were amazing, they really put us at ease and tried to make sure that we understood everything in a simple way and that we participated. All the participants were, very respectful and considerate as well. There was never the feeling of judgement, quite the opposite.

I'm very grateful for this programme, it taught me a lot and I hope that in the future, others can benefit from it as well. Thank you for all the occupational therapists that participate in the programme, they do make the difference, my key worker and dietician were amazing. All the kind words and motivation won't be forgotten.

Now that I have the tools, I don't have any excuse not to put up the work.