Rebecca’s journey from student to peer trainer
Based in the Trinity building at Springfield Hospital, our Recovery College offers courses co‑delivered by peer trainers and mental health professionals. These include sessions to help people manage their mental health, training for families, friends and carers, and practical skills to support recovery.
Rebecca is one of our peer trainers at the college. She first discovered it in 2018 while completing a course of CBT. Although therapy had helped, she found herself unsure what to do when it ended.
“I was stuck going round the revolving door of services and knew no different,” she said.
After learning she was eligible, Rebecca self-referred and attended an open day, signing up for three foundation courses. She remembers feeling nervous but hopeful.
“I’d gone into it expecting it to be like school or therapy. It was not at all; there was tea, coffee, biscuits and conversations…it was inviting and welcoming.”
From her very first session, Rebecca began to feel a sense of possibility. “I began to feel hope that I could really learn something here,” she said. “I came out of that course with a real sense of achievement. I was more excited about doing the next course than I was scared and that was huge for me.”
As she progressed through foundation, intermediate and advanced courses, Rebecca’s confidence and understanding steadily grew: “I slowly and gently started to gain some control in my day-to-day life and make some informed choices. I had hope for the first time in my adult life.”
Through the advanced courses, Rebecca developed practical tools including boundaries, journaling and mindfulness. “It was as though all the puzzle pieces were coming together,” she said. “I was taking control of my own life.”
With this renewed confidence, Rebecca felt ready to begin trauma-based therapy she had previously felt unable to face. “I now had the tools and understanding to do it. I wasn’t going to let this opportunity pass me again.”
When the pandemic struck and Rebecca began to feel isolated, she used the skills she had learned to help her stay well and complete her therapy, something she describes as life changing.
Inspired by her experience, Rebecca later returned to the Recovery College and applied for the Trainee Peer Trainer programme. The opportunity allows former students to train alongside experienced peer trainers while volunteering for a year.
“Here was an opportunity I’d never thought possible but what better job to have, one where I could help others and keep myself well at the same time,” she said.
Today, Rebecca is proud to support others on their own recovery journeys.
“I’m loving being a part of something that has helped me grow in a way I never knew possible,” she said. “The hope, control and opportunities are now abundant. I face challenges now rather than hide.”
Reflecting on her journey from student to Peer Trainer, Rebecca adds:
“I love my job – thank you.”
