Dan’s story

Dan was originally introduced to West Kent Mind ten years ago following a mental health crisis. Since then he has received support from the charity and gone on to run one of the Creative Mind’s programmes for West Kent Mind. Here Dan shares his story…

“I have always struggled with my mental health but didn’t realise how bad things had got until I had a severe mental health crisis, about ten years ago.  I was hospitalised and very unwell. Everything felt so dark and difficult.

The day I left hospital a nurse recommended that I seek support from West Kent Mind. I went to (what they called at the time) their drop-in centre in Tonbridge. I met the most incredible man called Andy and honestly think my life changed from that day forward. I was welcomed into the West Kent Mind family and started attending therapeutic art groups. I don’t think I realised then how much I need that structure and support. At a time when even getting out of bed felt hard, having a safe space to go to and something to focus on, was so very needed. I started to slowly feel accepted for who I am and having a peer group for support and a chat at my lowest points gave me the strength to concentrate on my mental wellbeing.

My partner, was also so important in my recovery, her support and love alongside the support I received from West Kent Mind gave me the strength to get through what was, an incredibly difficult time in my life.

I ignited a passionate for art and realised I love being creative. I even went on to do an art degree. This would never have happened if it hadn’t been for the support of West Kent Mind and their encouragement. I am now halfway through my MA which feels such an achievement.

West Kent Mind saved my life – I genuinely believe that.

I was off work for about four years in total but eventually started volunteering at West Kent Mind, helping them to run various groups. We started a cooking group which I absolutely loved. There’s something very special about people from different cultures and backgrounds, that want help and support, cooking a meal together. The best moments were usually when we gathered to eat it; this sparked great conversation and created moments of real joy, something not many of us experienced that often day to day.

I now work at The Amelia Scott in Tunbridge Wells, a job I adore. I still work parttime as I know that is important for my mental health. I feel so much stronger than I did, and I am aware of triggers and signs that mean I need to slow down and concentrate on my mental wellbeing. I run a therapeutic group for West Kent Mind as well as other community groups and services from The Amelia.

I often think about the initial contact I had with Andy and how my life changed from that day forward. The thought of possibly being that individual for someone else really drives me now – not only to be a compassionate and welcoming person for them to turn to but by physically helping to provide a safe space that they can go to and focus on.

I know I’ve come so far and it makes me smile to say I’m now not just well but thriving. I’m also very aware though that success is different for everyone. I’ve been at a stage in my life where success was getting out of bed and leaving my house. I hope people in our community really do know there is support out there for them if they are ever in that situation”.