Your Stories

Katie’s Story

My story

Although I worked with one worker, I am confident that she is simply one of many wonderful people employed by yourselves and would love the opportunity to work with you.  My experience is nothing but positive. I know I’m capable of using my journey to benefit otherwise with the necessary detachment from my own self.

I am and will continue to be a Hertfordshire Mind Network success story.   I never thought I would be in the circumstances that brought me to your organisation, i.e. it happens to the best of us…

I would love the opportunity to portray this to others. There is no shame in needing this support.  To articulate from personal experience, how it is, in fact, incredibly brave to not only acknowledge but then to ask for help.

I believe I can offer ‘something’ to somebody  – maybe even some bodies.  Even if I can use my experience to better the life of just one person.  My victories are mine but the support of Hertfordshire Mind Network helped me find the strength I forgot was already inside me.

My worker made me feel safe, supported when I felt like I had nothing and no one.   She helped me to remember who I am. She made me realise that I already knew I could get through this.   She is a credit to your organisation and in deference to this I would love the opportunity to give something back.

Kasey’s Story

My story

As someone who has struggled with their mental health since their early teens, I hit the hardest point in my life after my dad passed away in 2021.

I’ve spent the last couple of years trying to get back on my feet, but I realised in that time I’ve become pretty isolated, only interacting with my small group of family and friends.

I needed to get back doing something for myself, outside, with other people. But that is super anxiety provoking. The idea came from my wife, she said “we have a Mind centre close to us, give them a call or go and knock, see if there’s anything groups or something that could help?”

So that was my challenge for the next day.

I went to our local Mind centre, knocked on the door, I was so nervous, but as soon as the door opened, I felt a sense of safety. I was greeted with such kindness, welcomed in and listened to.

I was told about a group called Meeting Places. Just a group people, meet up, check in, support each other, take part in some activities, but a pretty chilled environment, no pressure to join in or talk. Sounded perfect to me!

I left the centre and cried all the way home, I just felt super proud of myself for actually going! I was so overwhelmed, but in a good way, because it went well. I felt a little weight had been lifted.

I attended my first group session a couple of days later, again this was a huge challenge but I am so glad I went that day. I was welcomed in by the group facilitators who introduced themselves and let me know the plan for the session.

I found myself surrounded by different people, with different backgrounds and different difficulties but all just after the same thing. A place to belong, to feel heard and supported – It’s exactly that. I’ve found a lot of joy there. I have been every week since and can see my confidence growing. 

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Lily’s Story

My story

I have been going to Herts Mind Network since I was 18, when I came out of an inpatient unit, and have completed numerous group therapies, peer mentoring, counselling, as well as attending their drop in service. They have been that rock for me through all my hard times, from growing into a young adult to experiencing my own mental health issues, along with other challenges I have faced throughout the years, such as grief, losing my hair to alopecia and career difficulties.

Herts Mind Network has been this non-clinical, welcoming and supportive place that I have been able to rely on, trust and attend with no difficulty. Without them it would have been a very difficult journey, relying and waiting on NHS appointments and therapies. I know with Herts Mind Network I can rely on the consistency, unlimited time frame with the drop in sessions and the warm comfort of their environment.

I am now 26 and have been attending the drop ins for over 2 years and I am so grateful for it and don’t know where I’d be with out it.

If you are struggling with mental health issues and are daunted by the steps needed to get psychological support, facing long waiting lists or rejection, Herts Mind Network is a brilliant place to start. With Herts Mind Network you can ease into it in a non clinical and intense way. They are always there and are the perfect service to start with when you’re feeling so swamped by your mental health issues.

Please reach out and take that first step, there is no shame in getting help or chatting to like-minded people, it could be all you need in starting your recovery.

Lauren’s Story

My Story

Lauren shares her story – a gentle reminder that every postpartum journey is different. Each one is shaped by personal experiences, emotions and challenges, and every journey is valid and deserves compassion.

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Colin’s Story

My story

Colin is sharing his story to help break down stigma and show that it’s okay to reach out for help. By speaking openly, he hopes to encourage other men to know they’re not alone – and that support really can make a difference.

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Charlotte’s Story

I have been going to (Hertfordshire) Mind on and off for over 10 years, whenever I’ve felt that I needed it. 

It is always a welcoming non-judgmental space, and the staff are understanding and give friendly and useful advice, sadly not all places are this supportive. 

In various local (Hertfordshire) Mind groups, in Ware where I am currently – and Stamford previously, I have participated in everything from Mindfulness to Reiki, sound baths and even gardening. 

Sometimes we play games and do quizzes which can really distract you from your thoughts and gets us interacting as a group. 

The events are free for users so anyone can partake, regardless of budget. 

Over the years I’ve kept coming back for help and support and would recommend it to anyone who may be struggling. 

Zainab’s Story

“Zainab” accessed our Flourish service whilst staying in Hertfordshire. Her story was shared with the support of an Arabic interpreter. 

After being moved to a hotel by the Home Office, Zainab attended a local school where she met someone who introduced her to Flourish and Hertfordshire Mind Network. 

Through the service, Zainab received practical and emotional support from her support worker, who helped her with things such as understanding and responding to emails and accessing the support she needed. She described her support worker as “really competent” and said they were very helpful with everything she asked for support with. 

Reflecting on her experience, Zainab said she felt “much better than before” after receiving support. 

Her message to anyone worried about reaching out for help is simple: “If anyone needs help, they should not hesitate.”

Susie’s Story

I wanted to say how grateful I am that I had the opportunity to have a 12-week placement at Growing People last spring. I gained so much from the experience. Following my diagnosis of bipolar 2 during the covid lockdowns, I had lost my confidence and was very anxious of being around other people. At Growing People I was able to start being around other people again and even enjoy their company in a relaxed, supported environment and to develop a regular routine.  

 With guidance and support from the horticultural therapist and volunteers, I learnt lots about gardening and discovered plants and flowers I’d never seen. I was able go from planting seeds, to watching and taking care of the flowers in my own plot, to eating the edible flowers and harvesting the seeds. It was great seeing my plot developing each week including growing sunflowers that grew taller than me. The positive comments from other gardeners, volunteers, and the horticultural therapist about my plot helped make me smile again, and I started to rebuild my confidence.  

 I’m applying what I learned during the placement today in my own garden. The apple mint and orange mint I grew during the placement are growing well in my garden. From the seeds that I harvested from my plot during my placement, I have successfully grown Calendula and Nasturtium this spring in my garden. 

 I became a Growing People volunteer last Autumn. My placement gave me the confidence to apply to be a volunteer something that I would not have done before.