Our Peer Support Network

Duncan got involved with The Cellar Trust three years ago when he was referred to us as a client by his GP.

Duncan’s programme with The Cellar Trust included a computer course to improve his confidence and skills online and sessions in the woodwork skill shop. Whilst completing a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) course, Duncan got involved with the Peer Support Network and was encouraged to co-facilitate.

Duncan is now part of our Peer Support Network. Duncan comments on his recovery as part of The Cellar Trust’s programme: “My mental health problems came about largely due to my diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Over the years, I have found that the things that have helped me with my recovery most are keeping an active mind and body. I practice Qigong and learning breathing exercises led me to meditation which helps with my physical and mental wellbeing. Being open and sharing my thoughts out loud has been instrumental as well.”

Heather Tattersall, Support and Development Manager explains about the set-up of the Peer Support Network: “We want to create a safe and confidential environment when members can talk openly or just listen. Peer Support was suggested to me by a client and the more I looked into it the more obvious it became that it could help our clients. Our Peer Support Network is now weekly and run by the clients who have completed a Peer Facilitation course. The weekly group is for the vocational service clients and there is also a group for Haven clients run by our Peer Support workers and volunteers.”

Duncan says the benefit for him is in sharing: “Someone will say in the group that they did something to help them cope, and that coping mechanism might never have occurred to another member of the group. We believe that everyone is their own best therapist.”

You may remember that Tong Garden Centre chose us earlier this year as their charity of the year, aiming to raise £10,000 for us.
As well as supporting us through fundraising, Tong Garden Centre also employed one of our former clients Dion Magyar, who is now a valued permanent member of their team.
We currently have other clients on work placements with Tong. Kim Shutler, our CEO comments “We currently have two clients, John and Sheila on work placements at Tong and Dion was recently taken on following a successful placement. That Tong is able to support us with work experience is great in itself, but the fact that the team want to help with fundraising too is just amazing. They are a brilliant example of a local business making a big difference to people in their local community. We’re very grateful and are really looking forward to working with the team.”

The support we provide to people recovering from mental health problems in the Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven areas often includes support to gain employment.
Our Employment Programme helps people to explore opportunities to develop new skills that will enable them to secure paid employment. We offer a flexible service to suit people who have been out of work for many years, who have never had a paid job, or anything in between. Service users receive one to one guidance and support to help them set, and work towards goals that will help them to access employment and build a brighter future.
In addition, we also offer a retention service for people making the transition back into work, and those currently employed but absent due to mental ill-health. We can offer support to both the employee and the employer, when discussing issues such as returning to work and reasonable adjustments to help ensure that people remain well in work.
For information about our employment programmes click here.