I contracted Covid-19 in Sept 2020 and therefore had to learn to live my life differently to manage the symptoms of both Long-Covid and Fibromyalgia which I was diagnosed with after months of illness following on from Covid-19. This was a very difficult time in my life, and I was blown away by the support of Tameside’s Long-Covid services and friends and family. I would not be in the position I am today both managing and enjoying my life without all the help and support I was fortunate enough to receive. I am very passionate about support being available for people to enable them to find acceptance of the events they experience in their lives. I believe it is empowering and enables people to process their emotions healthily and find ways to live their best lives with whatever circumstances that they are faced with.

On reflection I live a much better way of life now and am therefore grateful of the events in my life which have changed the direction in which I live my life. I recognise the importance of talking through my thoughts and feelings and expressing and articulating myself with others and it’s surprising how often others are experiencing similar emotions and also benefit from sharing them.

I am fortunate in that I have a great support network in place and feel I want to help others as without the help I have received I would not be in the position I am today enjoying my life. It also helps me to help others and keeps me grounded and stops me from becoming selfish and isolated. It is my hope that others will identify with my story and that it may help them in some way with their lives.

I have learnt to pace myself and rest often and it surprised me at first to notice that I am more productive when I practice self-care and compassion. I enjoy feelings of serenity happiness and joy in my life now and find happiness in the simple things in life.

I decided volunteering would be good for me to have the opportunity to share my experiences strengths and hope with others. I contacted n-compass and was very impressed with the welcoming response I received and the speediness of becoming a volunteer with them.

I highly compliment all staff at n-compass. I have received a full and thorough induction and training program and have mentors available for on-going support. Mentors call and check in regularly and are available anytime. I highly recommend volunteering with n-compass that’s for sure and I am excited about the continuing opportunities available to develop myself and grow in confidence and skills. All staff and volunteers with n-compass have personal and professional integrity and their values are shared values of mine which makes me want to continue my work with them and keeps me feeling valued which is very important to me.