Community/Social
A move back to the UK and a new social circle!
From joining to make friends to being an advocate for mental health as an expert by experience.
How did you find out about Derbyshire Time Swap?
Local social prescribing team.
Why did you join Time Swap? What did you want to get from and/or give to Time Swap?
BM wanted to offer her skills, particularly around Mediterranean cooking. She also saw it as a way to meet new people.
How have you engaged with the scheme? What are the swaps have you engaged with?
BM comes along to all the local meetings and is an active participant and valued member of the group. She has also recently started attending the singing for fun group.
What was the result from your swap?
BM feels she had given up before she joined Time Swap. She found her home then joined Time Swap. Through Time Swap she was introduced to her local community centre where she is now a regular. She has gone along to events at the community centre too. It is somewhere she feels comfortable and has met other people. It has helped her to settle in.
What impact has this had for you?
BM has made friends through Time Swap and they support each other beyond Time Swap. BM sees it as her time and is happy just being part of the group regardless of the activity. BM credits Time Swap with being a foundational part of rebuilding her life to what it is now.
BM now volunteers for Mental Health Together as an expert by experience and has recently taken on a role on the committee of Nottingham Trans Hub.
What have you learned?
I’ve learnt I can’t draw any more!!
But also that lots of people are looking to connect with others, make friends and find enjoyable activities. It just takes a first step.
BM recognises what other members of the local group have got out of Time Swap support. She sees the growth in confidence in others. Time Swap opens up doors of opportunity and connects people.
Final thoughts.
"A year ago, I felt like I had nothing. Now, I have a home, a community, and friendships that support me. Time Swap wasn’t just about exchanging skills - it helped me rebuild my life."