Denbighshire service users highlight importance of education and training

The important role education and training can play in the journey towards recovery from serious mental illness was the main theme of today’s ‘Movin’ On Up’ event in Denbighshire.

Service user Jayne Townson said: “I was recently accepted at college to do an ‘access to university course’ after doing very well in the entrance exam. It’s been a long journey to get to this stage.

“When I first got in contact with Hafal I wasextremely depressed, anxious and had no self-confidence whatsoever. I was paired with a lady called Val who, I must say, put me completely at my ease. She just ‘got’ me.

“Little by little, with Val’s help and encouragement, I have re-done my CV, been to my GP, had sessions with a counsellor and met with Val on a regular basis.

“Although I am nervous about the future and still have contact with Val, I am now positive I can get myself on the right track and maybe have some sort of a future. After I attempted suicide a couple of years ago, I thought I would never feel positive about anything again; but I have my self-respect now.”

The “Movin’ On Up” campaign is run by service users and carers and supported by mental health charities Hafal, Bipolar UK and the Mental Health Foundation. 22 weekly county events are taking place and the campaign will culminate in a climb of Wales’ highest peak, Snowdon, later this month. The campaign will also feature an interactive stand at the National Assembly on World Mental Health Day.

For more pictures from the event please visit Hafal’s Facebook page.

For more information on the campaign please visit: www.hafal.org.

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To download a copy of: “Care and Treatment Planning: A step-by-step guide for secondary mental health service users” please click here. The guide features a section on the important role education and training can play in a person’s recovery from serious mental illness.