Ruth’s story

“There have been challenges but I can see that I have come a long way.”

Following the breakdown of a family relationship everything began to feel like it was spinning out of control. I was experiencing a mental health crisis, I was unable to go to work and I found myself homeless. I was seen by my community mental health team and was working quite closely with them, but I was also referred to my local Community Link Worker (CLW). I didn’t have a social network out with my family, and with the breakdown of that relationship, I found myself quite isolated. Although I was very anxious, I knew I needed to introduce some social activities back into my life and that it was important for my recovery going forward. When my Community Link Worker, Laura, initially contacted me I wasn’t having a good day but she was so understanding. People don’t all need the same support but the programme is designed with a flexible approach and to work with each individual.  She explained how the service could help me, gave me her number and told me to call her when I was ready.

When I finally met Laura, I was really nervous but she told me about a Women’s Café they have every week. The group meet at a local café, they have a hot drink and a blether. When I first went along there were only a couple of other women. I was made to feel so welcome and there was no pressure to talk or to tell anyone anything about myself – for them just turning up was enough. I couldn’t believe I had made it!

That was back in March and I have been every Wednesday since I started. I have made a real friendship with one of the other women. We meet up on a Saturday as well and get our nails done every couple of weeks. I am even going to her house for Christmas. There have been challenges but I can see that I have come a long way. I tend to catastrophise things and immediately go to the worst-case scenario but Laura has taught me to set boundaries for myself and to say when I am not well enough to do something.

A new person has recently started at the group and I was able to give her a bit of advise and tell her what I did. That gave me such a boost to be able to help someone else, the way the group has helped me. Sometimes I worry about slipping back to where I was but if I am struggling or if I need help with something they are there to chat and that makes a massive difference to me. I have learned to be kinder to myself, I am gradually becoming more sociable, and I am proud of where I am. I am now getting counselling and I still see the Community Mental Health team but the support I get from the Links Programme has been life changing.

Ruth’s story is part of the latest Humans of Scotland publication – Community Links Worker Edition. The book is available to read here.

Read all Humans of Scotland stories here.

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