Our Stories

Nick

Status: Member

For a number of years I’d been struggling with depression and anxiety related issues, but in January 2025 I was referred to Trust Links where I was given an induction to the Growing Together Westcliff site by the wonderful Annette. For the next twelve months I saw how the allotment plots and the woodland area changed, from early spring snowdrops to the summer bounty of beans and raspberries.

But more than witnessing the changing seasons, I felt like I had become part of the process myself. Clearing wild garlic, weeding the herb garden, I never knew how therapeutic it could be kneeling for hours weeding and ferreting around in mud, adding to the compost collection, scooping up potatoes like some treasure, and all the time being accompanied by a couple of Robin Redbreasts one of whom landed on my shoe one day. I made it my project to photograph the developing year and turn it into a booklet for Christmas.

Spending time with nature has helped me enormously and I am told I am a different person after a session at Trust Links. It’s also given me an appetite for growing my own produce and I bought a silly amount of seed potatoes at the Rochford potato event which are currently sat in egg boxes chitting away before planting.

It’s been a pleasure spending time with the friendly staff, volunteers and people who make Trust Links such a special place, having learnt so much and of course our conversations about everything at tea break!

Lana

Status: Peer

In 2021, when I was 15, I was referred to Trust Links by my GP. They offered me to join the Youth links which forever changed my life. At this point in my life, I was suffering with poor mental health which got worse during this time as I watched my mother go through chemotherapy.

Joining Youth links introduced a safe space to me where I could talk when things got worse. I gained many skills in my time at Youth links such as communication, confidence, team building etc. I have created friendships that will last me a life time. As a result of being a part of Trust Links, I found my love for speaking up for not only myself but also advocating for other young people.

When I turned 19 and started to age out of the youth services, I got told about the Trust Links Peer Team. Instantly, I knew that is what I wanted to do. Even in just a few months, I have been offered so many opportunities which is building me up for a career in mental health. Trust Links has made me realise that there are people that will listen and help me through the negative and positive events in my life, and I am so grateful that I can give back!

Lisa

Status: Member

From a young age I experienced abuse from those who were meant to love and protect me. I turned to Trust Links for support and immediately felt part of a caring community.

I learnt new tools, techniques and strategies which empowered me to manage my own wellbeing long-term, this has had a massive impact on my life.

I am now training to be a counsellor so I can help others, thank you Trust Links!

Hayley

Status: Progressed to employment / relocated

Having first become a member at Trust Links in 2022, Trust Links have played a fundamental role in my moving forward. I was given the opportunity of a safe space, somewhere I could return to, a purpose for the day and the beginnings of structure. A space where I could just be me, with no explanation or apologies for being me needed.

Trust Links have given me many opportunities and I have had my eyes opened to possibility, my capability, and belief, and I have been helped to begin to find a belief in me.

Thank you Trust Links for the belief in me when my self belief, confidence and belief in my own capabilities was non-existent. Thank you for helping me begin to bring joy back into my life, positive emotion and in turn, begin to find hope.

While teaching seated gentle yoga as a Peer Volunteer at Trust Links, Hayley realised her 20 year dream of becoming a yoga teacher. In February 2026, Hayley moved to Cornwall to start up her own yoga company.

Cathy

Status: Trust Links Peer

Joined: 2025

I joined Trust Links in June 2025 during a period of homelessness and low mood. Darren was peering the arts & crafts course I attended and he inspired me to become a peer as I have always enjoyed giving back and helping others.

I became a peer in November 2025 and have since completed the Level 3 Imroc Peer Support Worker qualification. I feel very enthusiastic about being a peer and Trust Links in general.

Since coming to Trust Links I feel so much happier, it has given me friendship, positivity and ‘pockets of joy’. I’m excited for what my future holds.