July 3, 2023

Mental Health is the human experience that binds us all.

We all have differing presentations, manifestations and relationships with our mental health. One size does not fit all!

Mental health can wax and wane, fluctuate and respond differently to life events for different people. Mental Health is very real and manageable for many, but debilitating, life-changing and mind altering for others.

Whatever your perception, awareness and understanding of Mental Health there is always more to learn, more to understand and more compassion to give. The presentation is unique to the person but has the universal ability and potential to respond to kindness, ultimately creating hope and giving hope.

When initiating a conversation about mental health, be honest about how the complexity of the subject can be difficult to understand and, at times, even harder to find the right language to discuss. Be mindful of using language that is non-judgemental, be led by values of honesty, transparency, respect, kindness and compassion. Above all be prepared to listen – you do not need to try to fix and find the answers.

The Step Forward Project adopts a strengths-based, aspirational, needs led, holistic and – of course – hopeful approach to supporting people and moving them forward towards greater confidence and independence; on their journey towards volunteering and employment.

We see the person, not their mental health experiences and we ask the question – where do you want to go and who do you aspire to be? We let them know their mental health experiences do not define who they are and where they are going; and the future is full of opportunity and wonderful possibilities.

 

Shelley Studholme
Step Forward Project Manager
Cumbria CVS