MIND BLMK Peer Support

Who We Help, Why We Help & the Difference It Makes

What We Do

We feel more connected

Mental ill health can lead to us feeling alone, like we are the only person going through this, that we are isolated and that nobody else can help. This can lead to feelings of helplessness, a downward spiral of depression, anxiety or hopelessness. This can make things worse and lead to us doing things that aren’t helpful.

Peer support can mean that someone else is there, sometimes simply ‘I get that…’ or ‘when I felt like that, I tried this, and it was really helpful’ can make a huge difference.

Understanding and empathy

Trying to explain how things are to someone who has never experienced a mental health issue can be really tough – sometimes simply finding the words to describe what is happening can be impossible and can feel like wading through treacle. And when others don’t understand, it can lead to frustration.

When people have their own experiences, it can be much easier. People get it. They understand. They have often felt similar things themselves or can see where you’re coming from, even if it is different from them. This can be a huge relief. 

Independence and self-worth

Peer support is working together. Everyone is helping everyone – we can all feel empowered, build independence, increase our self-worth by knowing we are an important part of the support, even if often we say very little. And we know that even if we are the one being helped today, at some point we will be able to help someone else.

Groups are held across Central Bedfordshire in Ampthill, Biggleswade, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard. Please download the timetable for details of a group near you. The groups will be led by a Peer Support Worker with lived experience of mental health and built-on shared personal experience and empathy with a focus on working towards wellbeing and recovery. 

Volunteer

Volunteering with Mind BLMK

Mind BLMK has lots of different volunteering roles that are essential for us to help as many people as we do – everything from helping with admin at HQ, to being a mentor and supporting someone in their community. We provide training and support, pay travel and expenses and we see our volunteers as an essential part of our workforce that we are really proud of. Without our volunteers, we would really struggle. 

Want to get involved?

Take a look at the options we have. If you see something you think would work for you, fill in the form and let’s get started! 

Once we receive your application, we’ll arrange an informal interview and discuss the role. If successful, you will receive a full induction, we’ll check your references and make sure that you have all you need to start the role. https://www.mind-blmk.org.uk/opportunities/volunteer-with-us/

Community Trail