Karen | Faces of Futures

Karen, Peer Worker for Angus Mental Health Peer Support

Hi, my name is Karen. I was originally referred to the Angus Mental Health Peer Support a few years ago as I was struggling myself with caring for a family member who experiences mental health challenges.

I was feeling like I was not being listened to and did not really have any support. I was struggling with anxiety myself with added stressors in my life.

In my first session, I felt like I was being listened to and my concerns were being heard and understood. We talked over my situation; I was given coping strategies and the peer worker was then able to refer me for further support for my family member.

The service helped me so much I was able to use my coping strategies and focus more in my day to day living. I was also able to support my family whilst ensuring my own wellbeing was okay.

This encouraged me to change my career, I wanted to be able to help others with my lived in experience. I applied for a job as a mental health peer worker and have been in that role for over a year now and I love it. I am part of the ND Steering group which I also enjoy as I have lived in experience of Autism and ADHD. I have been able to share coping strategies with the people we support and encourage them to live their best life.

Hillcrest Futures provide a unique service with our Mental Health Peer Support service. With the peers having lived in experience, they themselves prove you can overcome challenges. I feel that having been a service user to now a peer worker, I have been able to build my confidence, learn each day to push my capabilities and support others.

Hillcrest Futures workers are passionate in their role and are the one person who will encourage you to see your full potential and strength. We will listen, empathize and support you, help you to break any barriers and find solutions. We can have a huge positive impact on people’s lives.

I am looking forward to my future as I enjoy my role so much and it gives me great pride to be part of the team. I plan to continue my role, look after my family and live my best life.