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Our stories

We want to see a society where everyone with mental health needs can live the lives they want. Read stories from the people living and building that reality.

More stories

Read stories from people living with mental health needs and the social workers supporting them to live their lives.

  • “I’m proud to set an example for my children as a mental health social worker.”

    2021 trainee and Mum of two Laura shares her experience of balancing the Think Ahead programme with parenting.

  • How can loneliness impact mental health? We asked our Practice Specialists

    Whilst loneliness can affect everybody, it can have a significant impact on people with mental health needs. Mental health social workers can support those experiencing isolation, working to keep people connected with creative and innovative solutions.

  • As a social worker I can help amplify the voices of the marginalised

    Irteza discusses his intersectional identity as a queer south Asian man and how he took back his voice and is helping empower others do the same.

  • Living with an eating disorder

    One of our social workers shares their experience of eating disorders and discusses the need to actively support people rather than shame them.

  • My name is Matthew and I’m bipolar

    Matthew gives an insight into his bipolar disorder and explains why living with mental health is as normal as being anyone else.

  • This is life with schizophrenia

    Mental health social worker Guy brings an insight to living with schizophrenia, with thanks to the people he’s worked with who contributed.

  • Male role models and bonding over DIY

    Only 17% of social workers are men.  We spoke with one of our Consultant Social Workers, Soyeb to explore why that needs to change.

  • Empowering people as a transgender social worker

    Alec started his journey to transition at 18. Here he reflects on the unique perspective his life experiences bring to his work.

  • Working towards living independently again

    Rafsa and Zoe share their story of working together to move from a point of crisis and slowly build a happier life.

  • Benji re-ignited the fire I had

    Richard, who experiences paranoid schizophrenia, and Benji, a Think Ahead social worker, share their experiences of working together.

  • A letter to my social worker

    An adult with mental health problems writes a letter of thanks to her mental health social worker.

  • Lauren helped me find the things that make me happy

    Lauren's support has helped Rosalind reconnect and find happiness in life again.

  • Getting back on the right track together

    Struggling with depression and anxiety, Matthew found a way forward with his mental health social worker Thea.

  • How I was helped through my psychosis

    A member of our Service User and Carer Reference Group speaks out about his experience of mental health problems.