Mandy Round’s Story…

Mandy Round – Co Facilitator – Feel the Fear, Creative Writing

I first attended The Exchange Recovery College back in 2016 as a learner, after experiencing anxiety, obsessive behaviours and psychotic episodes. These experiences were distressing and at times I felt suicidal. The turning point came when I attended the Exchange Recovery College and accessed the “Feel the Fear” course, which started me on to the road to recovery. By using the tools and techniques that I learnt, I began to take back control of my complex mind and minimise over thinking.

In 2017 I first started to explore NHS volunteering with The Exchange Recovery College. I was motivated by my own lived experience and the need to give back and share the lessons I had learnt. Being an NHS volunteer seemed the next logical step for me in my recovery and I was also interested in developing myself, especially my confidence.

In my current role as co-facilitator, I co-deliver Feel the Fear and a Creative Writing course. Both of these have enabled me to learn new skills and develop my confidence. In 2019 I was successful in achieving a Level 3 Certificate in Education and Training with Barnsley College. This enhanced my facilitation skills and gave me encouragement to continue learning and develop my potential.

Moving forward, I have reached a point, where my recovery journey has offered me hope, opportunities, choices and the potential to re-visit past learning goals and aspirations. With this in mind, my next step is to apply to Northern College and embark upon a social sciences diploma, which will hopefully lead me onto to employment. I now feel that I am fully equipped to meet life’s challenges, having learnt the tools and techniques to self-manage and I can look forward to future with optimism.