Sammy became ill in 2018, a year before she joined Papworth Trust. At this time Sammy would only go out of her house to walk her dog and have contact with her brother and sister.

It was in an appointment with a Mental Health Social Worker where Sammy first heard of Papworth Trust and our Opportunities Without Limits service in Ipswich. Sammy attended a taster morning and participated in an art session, with the support of her Mental Health Social Worker. After the taster session Sammy felt that she didn’t belong at Papworth Trust, this wasn’t a new feeling for Sammy as she had always felt that she didn’t belong. Before coming ill in her own words, Sammy was very shy and quiet. Sammy’s friends and family encouraged her to attend another taster morning and this is where she met Ali and Kate.

After the second taster session Sammy felt that she was able to be herself at Papworth Trust. People gave her a chance and she was able to say what she liked, when she liked. Sammy then started attending half a day at the centre which has now built up to whole day each week.

When asked what had changed since her taster sessions, Sammy said “I am able to trust people, coming to Papworth Trust is something that I look forward to each week. On some occasions my day at Papworth Trust is the only time I will go out. I’m not afraid, I know that if I have any concerns I can discuss them with staff and not rely on my family all the time. I feel safe in the environment.

Most importantly I have made lots of friends and they look out for me. Being at Papworth Trust has taught me that vulnerability is not a disability when you have friends around.”