Abbie joined Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust in May 2021 seeking opportunities to grow in confidence, learn new skills and experience working with mental health professionals and patients. She said:

Abbie's contribution to our volunteer family has grown exponentially seeing her taking ‘helping others’ to new levels in a varied range of volunteer roles she has committed to already. 

These opportunities include marshalling at our Covid-19 vaccine site, giving up evenings and weekends to help others. Similarly in her role as a telephone befriender, involving regular weekly calls to socially isolated and lonely service users throughout the pandemic, giving them hope and promoting positive wellbeing.

Since the age of 14yrs, Abbie has struggled with various aspects of her own mental health and has been diagnosed with a number of conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD and anorexia. 

Her lived experience from being a patient to now volunteering has given her the opportunity to promote inspiration and hope to those in recovery. Her interest in mental health has also led her towards the Open University where she is in her final weeks from completing a Degree course in Psychology.

Abbie said:

Abbie has gained not only academic knowledge from her volunteering, but also a great deal of confidence from a clinical psychologist, who has provided encouragement and recognition of Abbie’s abilities and natural care for others. This has also been recognised by Recovery College staff who have very much appreciated Abbie’s commitment to mental health courses on their new virtual platform, as well as the technical and creative skills she has brought to podcasts shared on the website.

The Voluntary Services team couldn’t be prouder of Abbie and her achievements and will support her in the next stages of her career. Being a clinical psychologist in the Trust is certainly at the top of her list of ambitions!