Ian's story

Out There is one of Time to Change’s project in Cumbria, and helps to
promote mental wellbeing by using the unique outdoor environment of the Lake District for a range of activities. Ian has been involved with the project first as a service user, and now as a staff member.

"Before I came across Time to Change, I was depressed and living on benefits. I didn’t have much enthusiasm for life and had become isolated.

I finally admitted that I wasn’t doing that well alone, and started going to the local Mind day centre. People there were sat around drinking lots of coffee – it was great to have company, and I went along a few times. However I called this the ‘drop-out’ rather than ‘drop-in’ – it was quite boring with not much to do.  That’s changed hugely since though.

I then heard about Out There, and knew it was for me. I’ve enjoyed outdoor activities since I was seven, but as my mood falls, I find doing them harder. Yet I knew that doing challenging outdoor activities with like-minded people in the glorious Lake District was my kind of therapy.

Time to Change and Out There have been fundamental in my recovery. Originally I thought I could deal with problems myself. But by being part of this, I realised I wasn’t alone, and accepted help. It got me doing things, challenged my own thinking about mental health, and I began to feel valued and useful. I started to feel a sense of purpose and found a path to follow again. I regained confidence in myself, and wanted to pass this on to others. I also realised I enjoyed working with and was good at supporting people. As my confidence grew I started to volunteer.

Recently I’ve been doing temporary paid work with Time to Change and this has given my self-esteem a great boost.  For a couple of months I was actually running the project in the north of the county. I am hoping to continue the transition to work on a more permanent basis. I want to promote exercise to the population of Cumbria as a simple, self-administered tonic to combat stress, anxiety and mood disorders via a ‘Smile a Mile’ campaign, and I’m also looking at doing some anti-stigma work.

I think it's important for people with mental health problems to get involved with projects like this.  f you follow my pattern and join a project, then volunteer on it, you too could help ensure that the project is best suited to what people like you and me need. Because I worked for the project after being a project member, I naturally brought a more user-centred approach. I think I’ve brought about changes that have tailored the project more to the people’s needs. For example, simple things like knowing that finalising arrangements just a day or so before an activity really seems to suit people best.

I’m now taking canoe instructor training and mountain leadership
qualifications. Getting involved has given me new skills, helped me get out of a rut, and I now feel part of society again.

To anyone who wants to get involved in local projects like Out There, I wouldsay: You are an untapped resource! Get involved in any way you can
- you’ll never regret it! Stepping up and pushing yourself has great rewards and can mean that mental health support is more in touch, and gains from your experience.  Overcome your fears and just do it! It is so so worth it."