I’m Donna and I’d like to tell you about some of the ways that United Response have made a difference to my mental health.

One of my support workers helped me dress better in public. I used to wear clothes that were so old: they lacked shape and fashion. The clothes that I used to wear had no style. I feel proud with new clothes and gained more confidence and motivation to walk around on the streets.

I felt proud with new sense of accomplishment in the fashionable clothes. I appreciated the guidance of support workers. The guidance was not forced, but out of kindness. It was not nice when people looked at me oddly and moved away because of old worn-out clothing.

Two members of staff support me in the Our Life Stories project. They guided me in what to say and do in the interview. I was nervous at first about the interviews. As I got into it, it went smoothly.

The first lady I interviewed was calming but also nervous. It was challenging but manageable. The second interview was with an autistic woman. One of the support staff pushed me to go ahead, even though I am stumbling with my words.

They help guide me to be independent. They help me with daily task such as bills and answering phone calls. Some support me in other activities.

I used to stay in the house and push myself to do more activities. Before I came to United Response, I struggled with mental health a lot and now I can manage it better. When you support someone who has mental health needs, the actions might seem small but it’s helping them walk towards the light of better mental health.

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