Partner Stories

Please note that the names have been changed to protect anonymity.

Steve

Using MSAP has made such a positive difference to Steve’s life: the support offered by his advocate and the fellowship and friendship of the Saathi Forum. Steve has had difficulties coping with various physical health issues together with acting as carer for his wife who has severe and enduring mental health issues. Working with his advocate, Steve has accessed psychological services which has made a positive difference to his and his wife’s physical and mental well-being. Further, his advocate has supported him in making a claim for disability living allowance which he is now in receipt of and which has, again, made a positive impact on his life. Steve acknowledges that without the support of his advocate, his journey to recovery would have been much more difficult.

Steve has been a regular attendee of the Saathi forum for a number of years. Not only has it been an opportunity to make new friends and learn more about various issues relating to mental health, but it has also offered practical advice such as how to change his GP. In Steve’s words, the forum provides a safe space in which members can share experiences in confidence and provide mutual support.

“We couldn’t have done without the help of the advocate to solve our problems, physical and mental. We are ever so grateful for what she has done.”

Susan

Susan accessed MSAP having been signposted by her ESOL tutor. Her advocate has provided support in relation to employment and family issues and she has become a regular and enthusiastic member of the Saathi Forum making new friends, learning about various services within the local community and rebuilding her confidence. For Susan the heart of the forum is the communal activity: eating together, sharing stories in an environment which is supportive and non-judgemental. She feels like belonging to an extended family. For Susan the forum has been more beneficial than any medication!

“My advocate and MSAP have given me hope where previously I was hopeless.”

Lisa

“Dear MSAP

Thank you for all the support you have given me. I wouldn’t have been able to do it on my own. Thank you for your help with the change of co-ordinator. Thank you for the help in coming to hospital only once a week now. Thank you for the help with my medication with the Doctor. Most of all thank you for your support in giving me a voice whenever a have a review. Thank you too for your empathy for me. Thank you too for helping me with the volunteering.”