Gemma – Community Connector Support Worker

Hi, my name is Gemma.

I have struggled with my wellbeing and mental health since my teens, often feeling different to those around me in the way I experience and cope with everyday life. I have suffered from depression and anxiety and was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I have spent time under home treatment and recovery services, where I learned a lot about the idea of recovery in mental health. Since then, I have strived to live a full and meaningful life despite my ongoing challenges, rather than seeking to be fixed or trying to get back to an old version of myself. I am a wife, a mum, a student and volunteer amongst other things. I have worked as a peer support worker both in and out of the NHS and I am very passionate about the value of peer support. I have a genuine understanding of how it feels to be emotionally and mentally unwell and the impact it can have on life, and I have learned how to better cope and thrive over the years. I really enjoy working as a peer support worker in the community connectors team and find supporting others to achieve their goals and improve their wellbeing both a privilege and something that helps me in my recovery.