Our Stories
We have many stories of how our service users and staff work together to achieve successful outcomes. Click on the links below to find out more.
“The experience I gained from volunteering is something I’ll never forget. It changed my life.” – J’s volunteering story
“I began volunteering while I was still a service user, after spending many years in secure care. Having been in hospital from the age of 18, I recognised that there were life skills I hadn’t had the chance to develop at home. “Volunteering offered me …
“Volunteering didn’t just let me support others – it helped me believe in myself.” – Shehnaz’s volunteering story
“When I first joined the Trust in the cleaning services (domestic) team, I came with a quiet determination and a real wish to help. I didn’t know then how far that determination would take me. “I wanted to learn and give back, so I started …
“Seeing people improve, smile, or just feel better for an hour makes it worth it.” – Daryl’s volunteering story
“My name is Daryl, I’m 38, and I volunteer with the Trust mainly in fitness-based roles. I help run boxing sessions, football sessions, and general physical activity groups for people who are experiencing mental health challenges. I enjoy doing a bit of everything – boxing, …
Catering volunteer Jo-Anne cooks up success
Volunteer Jo-Anne has overcome many of life’s hurdles, yet continues to move forward with strength and determination. Since joining the Trust’s catering team as a volunteer, she has become a valued member of the group, and settling in was a piece of cake! She recently …
Read more [Continue reading] Catering volunteer Jo-Anne cooks up success
“I felt like I had finally found what I’d been searching for” – Stacy’s volunteer story
My name is Stacy, and I’m a co-facilitator and wellbeing volunteer at Barnsley Recovery College. I began my volunteering journey with the Trust in 2022. I’ve participated in various volunteering activities with charity shops, and as a result I was able to complete my NVQ …
“Volunteering for people with hearing problems can truly change lives for the better” – Sandra’s volunteering story
My name is Sandra, and I’m a sensory support group befriender and volunteer for the equipment, adaptations and sensory impairment service in Barnsley. I personally have hearing difficulties, which motivates me to assist others facing similar challenges, and I genuinely find joy in it. I …
“I like to use my mental health ‘expert by experience’ insight to support the Trust” – Lynne’s volunteering story
I’ve been volunteering with the Trust since November 2014. Initially, I started volunteering in relation to my roles with Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery and Wellbeing College and Enfield Down. I have co-facilitated family and friend carer courses at Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery and Wellbeing College, …
“I can’t express enough how much the recovery college has done for me” – Wendy’s volunteer story
Wendy first arrived at our Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery and Wellbeing College as an anxious learner. Now having grown in confidence, she runs her own craft course at the college. She said: “I first came to Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery and Wellbeing College as a …
“It brightens people’s mood, helps alleviate stress levels and calms them down” – our canine befriending service story
As part of our canine befriending service, temperament-assessed dogs visit our inpatient wards with their owners to provide comfort to our service users. Angela Barker works for the Trust as our befriending project and volunteer support co-ordinator. After volunteering with Pets as Therapy, she saw …
Shared voices, shared power: Reflections on a co-production workshop – India’s story
From being heard to being involved My name is India, and I am a volunteer for Wakefield Recovery College. For the past year I have been working alongside South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust’s research and development team on a project that has …