These are the words of a new service user at Central Notts MIND who opened up during a chat shop at the charity's Mansfield activity centre this week.
Feeling comfortable enough in the centre's warm surroundings to share his thoughts, fellow user
s, volunteers and staff gathered round to listen to what he had to say and spoke about their own experiences.
The activity centre offers people with mental health difficulties a calm environment in which to meet others, participate in crafts and games or just drop in for a chat.
Project leader at the Mansfield activity centre, Tina Camm, says visiting the centre can be the first steps to recovery.
"We like to think that people with mental health difficulties can drop into the centre during the chat shops or clubs and share their experiences with each other and also support one another," says Tina.
"At the moment we have around 40 members but it would be great to see some new faces and although the thought of visiting somewhere new can be daunting everyone here is very friendly.
"We encourage those with mental health difficulties to get out of the house and the Mansfield centre is a perfect place for them to go to build their confidence."
And this is certainly the case for user Geoff, who says he feels a lot more confident to leave his home since he started visiting the activity centre a year ago.
"I come to the centre about three times a week and always feel welcome knowing that I can talk to someone," says Geoff. "I enjoy coming to the centre to do activities and make new friends.
"Since coming to the centre I have built up the courage to go out by myself and often visit St John's church."
Anybody with mental health difficulties is welcome to go along to the Mansfield activity centre chat shops alone or with a friend, family member or carer. The sessions are run 9am-3pm Tuesdays, 8.30am-12.30pm Wednesdays, 2pm-7pm Thursday and 9am-3pm Fridays.
•Anybody wanting more information about the Mansfield activity centre or who would like to organise a charity event or make a donation to Central Notts MIND should contact Girish Ravat on Mansfield 658044.
•Central Notts MIND is looking for volunteers to help support people with mental health difficulties. Anybody interested in becoming a volunteer should contact Girish Ravat on Mansfield 658044.
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