Ginny’s story: “Going down to the hub was a lifeline for me.”

“Hello, my name is Ginny Smalley.

I’m a peer supporter for Step One Charity.

I work out of Torbay Hub and what I do is I talk to people, welcome them and I encourage them into the groups that we have.

Why? Well when I started off, I was brought down by a friend. I had a serious accident and I ended up having my brain washed, which meant I spent a year and a half coming back to being me. So going down to the hub at that point was like a lifeline for me. It meant I could meet other people; I could form friendships; I could help to run courses as I was a teacher and I enjoyed it immensely.

I do all sorts of things. I teach crafts I hope I help with the empathy and the humility of the group, I’m also rather naughty, which they seem to enjoy. It certainly improves my life and I hope it improves theirs too.

So I’ve moved from just being a participant to being a leader. I’ve done several exams in mental health, just because I’m interested, no other reason. I thoroughly enjoy it and I hope more people will come down and enjoy our friendship because that’s what it’s about, making friends, getting out, talking if you want to, you don’t have to. You can sit still, be quiet, have a nice cup of coffee or you can get included.

So that’s me.”