There’s more to gain than to lose

Learner and volunteer, Jade has been kind enough to share some of her Recovery College journey with us. Perhaps ‘carving a bit of wood’ might help you too?!

Hello, my name is Jade. I have struggled with my mental health since I was 12, and have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder. I have also experienced personal trauma and been a victim of domestic abuse.

I joined the College in October 2023, after it was recommended by the Mental Health Team at Ravensleigh. At that time daily life was a struggle. Every day was spent reliving old trauma. I felt trapped, I was scared and I hated being alive. I was, at first, sceptical of the College. I had tried similar groups in the past but I always felt out of place. On the way to my first course, I questioned how carving a bit of wood (on the Japanese Woodblock Printing course) was ever going to make me feel any better, but weirdly it did. Getting out of the house for a few hours, doing an activity that calmed my mind and being able to socialise in a safe environment where everyone is going through similar things really did bring me comfort and an escape.

A year on, and many courses later, a fellow learner commented on how good I would be as a volunteer. With that I applied, did the training, and became fully qualified in February 2025. The change in me these past 18 months has been astronomical. I can’t quite believe it myself. And a massive part of that is down to the Recovery College. I hope to see you on a course soon. Just try it, there’s so much more to gain than there is to lose.