Testimonials
Here are just a small selection of testimonials written by our attendees. More will become available in time through our Humans of St Margaret’s Centre media project.
Mick was referred to St Margaret’s Centre in 2017. Initially involved in woodwork activities, he was part of the initial trial of our Supported Volunteering project in 2020 as part of the centre’s ‘Cutting Edge’ trading arm, overseeing all aspects of the enterprise as well as training other people. In 2023, he moved into paid employment.
I was referred to St Margaret’s Centre by my GP because of my low mood. He said it would be good for me to get out of the house and have more structure in my life, so I started attending in the woodwork area. I was buddied up with another attendee who had been coming to the centre for a long time, and this helped me to make friends and feel more comfortable. As I grew in confidence and began to feel more like myself I started making my own woodwork projects such as toys for my children, lamps, and shelving for my home. I also became a mentor for other attendees, and really enjoyed passing on my knowledge and helping others.
By being involved in this project I feel like me again, like I’ve gotten back a part of my life that I had lost. My mental health has improved tenfold and I’m much happier in my day to day life now. I’ve learned how to be more patient, take my time over my work so I get things right the first time, and I feel proud of what I have achieved. From being involved in the centre’s trading arm I have learned about budgeting and managing money, which has helped a lot in my home life. I’ve learned a lot of woodworking skills to improve my home, and I’m also re-using skills I’d forgotten about. The project gave me the opportunity to use things I’d learned from doing Business Studies in college, such as marketing, customer services, and business finance. Being in the craft shop has also helped improve my maths, English, and computer skills, all of which are transferable to most jobs.
Claire was referred to St Margaret’s Centre in 2019, and since then has been involved in a variety of activities at the centre such as arts and crafts, gardening, and self-management courses.
It’s been 3 years since I started attending the centre, and I’ve gained so much confidence and started to build on my self-belief and self-love.
The confidence that I have gained helped me escape an abusive and volatile relationship, and I’ve never been so happy. I’ve made friendships for life which I never had before. I feel at home when I’m there in our own little protective bubble where you don’t get judged or feel anxious about people knowing about my mental health issues or my situation.
It’s like another family, always someone to talk to whether that’s a member of staff or other attendees. I feel so warm, comfortable and accepted when I’m there. The staff are warm, kind, caring, and always there to help. I enjoy the social days where you can do whatever activity you want or just have a cuppa and chat, it doesn’t really matter. Everyone is there for each other. I’ve learned so much, not just different arts and crafts, but about myself, life, and society.
Andrea has been a great help with benefits, housing etc. for everyone, and even helped me with my 1st ever trip to my local food bank.
St Margaret’s has given me confidence and self-worth. It saved me, I really couldn’t cope or manage without this. I’m forever grateful to all the staff for keeping the centre open. I’m with good friends/family, my own little protective bubble.
Thank goodness for St Margaret’s Centre and its staff!
Paul was referred to St Margaret’s Centre in 2016, and currently volunteers in our craft shop.
Before I was referred to the centre, life was horrible. I couldn’t go anywhere or get on a bus without my wife.
When you are poorly, you don’t realise how much you miss your workmates. When I came to the centre I got ‘workmates’ again. I love coming here, it gets me out of the house and gives my wife a break where she isn’t worrying about me. She knows where I am and that I am safe. I’m pleased I can do something to help the centre as they’ve helped me a lot, I feel like being involved in this project lets me give something back.
I’m not as quiet as I was, I have a more positive outlook and things to look forward to. This and my grandkids keeps me going. I’m in a good place.
Marie was referred to the centre in late 2022, and mostly attends arts and crafts sessions.