Sharon Joyce, 40 from Thornaby had spent the past 8 years of her life suffering from anxiety, panic attacks and depression, which impacted on her confidence and made it difficult for her to interact with people on a daily basis
During this time, Sharon felt that she was unable to focus and move on in her life.
Reaching 40 was a turning point in Sharon’s life and she decided that she was going to change her situation, but like many was confused how to change. She contacted Five Lamps at the beginning of 2011 and was seen by Darren Stephens, Five Lamps’ Intensive Support Worker at their Stockton building at 32 Dovecot Street.
During her initial appointment, Sharon told Darren that she wanted to work with other local people who were encountering problems, in particular, those with addictive behaviour issues. Sharon felt she was able to relate to the anxiety and depression many feel who struggle with addictions.
It was suggested by Darren that Sharon should start to think about learning new skills if she wanted to progress into employment. Sharon felt her CV highlighted how little she had done over the past 8 years and was anxious about the employment and skills gap.
Darren felt that volunteering would really benefit Sharon to build her confidence and develop skills that would help her in the future. After several one to one appointments, Darren referred Sharon to Lifeline in Stockton, who provide support for people with alcohol related issues and that is where she is today.
Sharon is very happy volunteering and is undertaking training to improve her employability and loves working closely with customers.
Sharon can’t believe the change in her life in such a short period of time. She says:
“I couldn’t even get dressed on a morning and coming to see Darren at Dovecot Street cheered me up and made me smile. Darren has put me forward to volunteer as an Alcohol Support Worker and I feel I’m on the right track to come off benefit and secure employment.”
“The thought of volunteering was really daunting at first but it has helped me overcome my anxiety and panic attacks. I have made new friends and for the first time in a long time I can see light at the end of a very long tunnel”