Did you know that all of our support workers and volunteers at the Discovery College are trained and all of them have lived experience? That’s what helps them give you the support you need without stigma or judgement, just understanding and help.
Here’s an intro to some of our wonderful and dedicated team!
Jamie
Peer Support Mentor, Inverness
“There was a point in my life when I was very lonely, isolated, unwell and lacked confidence. I couldn’t get myself to a bus stop or go outside without being escorted. Then I found Historical Re-enactment. This allowed me to mix with groups of people from all walks of life. I now perform live re-enactments to the public. This gave me the space to explore who I could be, gave me confidence and built me into who I am today. I now work as a Peer Support Mentor and have co-developed a support network for those using their lived experience to support others in the Highlands. Hearing people say things like “wow, I’m not the only one who feels like this” is what I find most rewarding in my role.”
Debbi
Peer Support Worker, Inverness
“When I got my mental health diagnosis, I felt it defined who I was. It felt bleak. Now I am employed as a Peer Support Worker for The Discovery College. It’s not holding me back anymore; it’s driving me forward in a way where I can help others. Everything I have been through and recovered from has made me the person I am today. I am now in a position to use my lived experiences and offer support to someone who might be a few steps behind me on their journey or even too scared to start it. When you talk to someone with lived experience, you know that when they say they understand how you are feeling that they actually do. You know that they have also probably lived through and more importantly recovered from something very similar. And that knowledge they have gained through their own lived experience, becomes more valuable in aiding someone’s recovery than any degree or qualification.”
Ross
Peer Support Worker, Wick
“As Peer Support Workers, our goal is to create a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space for anyone who needs connection, understanding, or support. Living in a small community means we often know each other’s faces but that doesn’t mean we always know each other’s stories. This group is a place where we can share our experiences openly, support one another, and remind each other that we’re not alone. I’m there as someone with lived experience who has walked my own path and believes in the strength that comes from community. Together, we can listen, learn, and lift each other up. Everyone is welcome, everyone’s voice matters, and everything shared in this space stays in this space.”