The value of lived experience and peer support is integral to all of our work at Touchstone. Martin, a former Service User at Touchstone, has kindly shared his journey to becoming a Peer Support Worker at Touchstone below…
Where to begin with this rollercoaster (in a positive way) of a journey through Touchstone? So here goes!
I came through the service in 2022 with CST (Community Support Team) after a turbulent time with personal issues etc. I found the courage to hit the ‘reset button’ and regrouped in setting small personal goals, as well as looking at the bigger picture of what I wanted my future to look like.
In hindsight working with a great team is the best thing that happened as I’ve come along way. Credit where it’s due to CST and other colleagues like Touchstone’s Senior Leadership Team etc for how much they’ve done for me and enabled me to progress positively.
Becoming a Service User Consultant
Fast forward 18 months, I then became a Service User Consultant in November 2023. This was the big achievement, as it enabled me to inspire others and make positive change to a mental health system that I’ve come through. The best thing was having the opportunity to meet other great colleagues across Touchstone and progress further in building connections etc, as well as experiencing my own personal development.
The praise I continue to get from colleagues has been amazing and I appreciate the support from the bottom of my heart. Without them all being in my corner to guide me along, I don’t think I’d have been able to achieve.
I’ve also picked up added tips and coping methods when times get tough “through the ups and downs” (yes, this is a reference to the Leeds United “Marching On Together”!), which have been more than helpful when I’ve needed it most.
More importantly, the support is why I’ve enjoyed being involved with Touchstone, as we’re all a family unit and we all stick by each other!
Becoming a Peer Support Worker
Lastly, I’m now excited to become a Peer Support Worker. It’s a massive change, since I first started my career being interested in playing and coaching in a football environment.
I can’t wait to get started and continue with my hard work, as well as giving back and helping service users achieve a good quality of life and to show potential and talent. I’m also excited to continue being that voice and leading by example to give others with lived experience of mental health the encouragement to speak out and take the steps to change their mental health too!
