Eastlea Community Centre

This CREE member has been involved in the CREE project dating back to the original project that was piloted through East Durham Community Development Trust. He used to self-harm and had attempted suicide on more than one occasion. He joined the group to access support and mutual aid.

How did Cree support?

We supported the member by providing a safe and welcoming facility to allow him to meet up with others living with poor mental health. Therapeutic resources were provided to help keep his mind active and to give him a reason to leave the house to become involved in social activities.

He attended ASSIST training and gained knowledge relating to Mental Health First Aid. He was encouraged to take a lead role within the group.

What has the impact been?

He began volunteering within the Centre to help out with general maintenance and gardening. He still has dark times and still struggles with poor mental health, but these occasions are becoming less frequent. He now feels confident enough to approach people within the Centre to talk about his troubles when he is feeling low. He gets involved in special events within the Centre and helps out when needed. He is now less isolated and has become a much-valued member of our community.

Quote

'Being a member of the CREE has helped me through some of my worst times and has given me the opportunity to help others'

Any other comments

During the pandemic he has kept in touch with other CREE member via telephone call and supported them throughout. He has recently become a volunteer driver delivering our home cooked meals to our most vulnerable members of the community.