WELLIES Project

“I am so passionate about Wellies, the project has helped me to progress and grow as a person, I no longer sit at home unable to leave the house feeling depressed and anxious. I have learned to socialise with others, learnt new skills. I am the old me that I used to be. I do not know where I would be without this project “

“I refer people to Wellies who are often at the lowest point in terms of their mental health and self-esteem, often to the point where they don’t feel they can step through the door by themselves. I have seen people’s confidence grow and their ability to form meaningful friendships has increased as a result of attending Wellies. Many of the people I refer to Wellies are very socially isolated, and because of the rural nature of the area, opportunities to meet people who are experiencing similar are few and far between. Wellies provides a safe space for people to access peer support and try out new skills and gives people a much-needed sense of community and belonging.

Of the people I have referred, one went onto employment after spending time at Wellies and credited the group with having helped him to see he wasn’t alone in how he’d been feeling. It also gave him the opportunity and confidence to form a friendship outside of the group with another participant and their partner, reducing his isolation. Prior to that, he had spent most days by himself in his flat as he was new to the area, having very little social interaction which worsened his mental health.

Another woman said she felt visiting Wellies gave her a sense of purpose and she would come back from the group with crafts and creations to show her daughter, as well as being able to share experiences she’d had that day. This helped her feel she had done something productive and valuable, which was so important to her recovery as she had previously been in a very psychologically abusive relationship which had chipped away at her self-confidence. I always recommend Wellies to my working age patients who are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing because I know once they get through the front door, things will start to improve for them.“