"Invaluable Social Inclusion and Wellbeing Service"

The Social Inclusion and Wellbeing Service has been invaluable. They have provided far more than their remit, offering services that just aren’t available elsewhere. This has included dealing with benefit problems, accompanying me to interviews with DWP, helping sort out problems with the utilities. It has been a lifeline. If they can’t sort things out, they helped me access the service I needed.

The Volunteer Co-ordinator has organised volunteering for me, not just putting me in a charity shop. She helped to match my skills and what I wanted to do to a suitable opportunity. I am volunteering at a community centre for people with learning disabilities. I am teaching basic cooking skills, healthy eating and health and safety, and cook for 12 people. There’s no pressure on me, and I don’t have to go in if I’m not up to it. It’s very taxing, but I am learning how to limit my high expectations of myself. I can see that I have a positive impact. Before that I volunteering with English Conversation at the library. I found it frustrating, as the groups were very mixed ability, some people with very good English and some with very little. There was no pressure to carry on, and I was not made to feel guilty. I was also introduced to a swimming group, thanks to the Volunteer Co-ordinator.

Before I met the Social Inclusion and Wellbeing Service, things were horrible. I was isolated, stuck in a downward spiral. I had been diagnosed for 4 years before I was offered this external support. It has helped to motivate me. It helps knowing that they are doing it to help you, it’s not just a job. It had improved my mental health. I am able to do things I couldn’t do, like catching a bus. It has stopped me becoming an in-patient. They have been fantastic. The service is underrated. Lots of people would benefit from it.