"Social Inclusion and Wellbeing Service"

My psychiatrist recommended the Social Inclusion and Wellbeing Service. I was doing nothing, a recluse. He suggested voluntary work so I met S. She first introduced me to the Buddhist Centre. I went in half way through a Meditation course. I found it helpful. She also suggested I have a Support Worker (J), as I find it difficult to mix.

At the beginning, I did a CLAIT course with T, but it was mornings, so I struggled. I applied for Samaritans with J’s help, and I completed all the training. The trainers were very nice, but when I started taking calls, it wasn’t what I expected and it didn’t work out. It was nice to have my support worker to talk to, to help get my head straight.

In the meantime, I said I liked working with numbers, and J suggested a bookkeeping course. I had never thought of doing that. I passed level 1, which was easy. I thought I had failed level 2, but I received an email that said I have a first class pass. I still don’t really believe it. I am going on to do an AAT course with Central College. At the same time, S arranged a placement at Mojata, working in finance. She took me along for an interview. I spent a few months there. The people were friendly, but I wasn’t learning anything. Then S had an email from Age UK about a placement in finance, and thought of me. I met with S and J. I had to go for an interview. At Age UK I am getting to use some of the skills I learnt at college. I used Sage the other day. The people are so friendly.

The Social Inclusion and Wellbeing Service has been fantastic for me, no improvements are needed. It is about being with the right person. J is so easy to talk to. It has helped me do things I would never have done without that support.