What women say

I have called this piece ‘Steps to recovery’ because my recovery has taken various stages over a long period of time.

It was a shock to discover that I needed to go to hospital because of a depressive illness.

Learning that you have an illness that needs to have special treatment because of its severity is a hard thing. I soon found out however that going to Southmead was a positive move, after having struggled with depression for years. It was there that I found out about Missing Link. They made it possible for me to live in supported accommodation for independent women who have had problems at various stages in their lives. I have very much enjoyed being at Missing Link. With the on-going support from Missing Link I have found myself growing stronger and more confident through the support that I had. My family was relieved that I had found somewhere to live, so that I could deal with my problems in a safe and effective way.

I have also learnt some cookery skills, how to exercise at the gym and how to attend drop-ins and other resources to help me with my illness and my recovery and to meet new people as well. The support I receive from my support workers, such as help with completing benefits forms, going to the Doctor and going for walks is helpful and I like meeting up with both my daytime support worker and an evening and weekend support worker. Missing Link drop-ins I have particularly enjoyed have included a relaxing massage in the office and a trip to Weston-Super-Mare.

I am still at Missing Link right now. Still recovering, still receiving support, but much happier than I was before. I live in a Missing Link Shared House at the moment and hope to move to the Floating Support Scheme. I know that one day this move to my own place would be a great step for me!

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