Eighteen months ago Lisa Welch was experiencing severe depression. Her illness was having a profound impact on her life and she was struggling to fulfil everyday tasks such as dressing, leaving the house and paying her bills. She was also experiencing physical health issues that were further compounding her mental health problems.

Lisa was also having problems paying the rent for her housing association property. As a result of this, her housing officer identified that Lisa might be experiencing mental health problems and referred her to Gofal’s Tenancy Support Scheme, which is funded by the Supporting People programme. Lisa started receiving support from this scheme to address some of the issues that were having a negative impact on her mental health.

Although her journey of recovery wasn’t easy, Lisa has made significant progress and is now leading a fulfilled and independent life. Regarding the support Lisa received, she has said:

“My support worker started taking the pressure off me. It was such a relief. It was like a big weight off my shoulders.”

“To have my life back, to start taking control of my own life means so much. I feel there’s so much more out there for me now.”

“With the help of Gofal, I have seen the light at the end of the tunnel.”

As a result of the support she received from Gofal’s Tenancy Support Scheme Lisa decided to access Gofal’s Pathways to Employment project, which supports people to gain the skills and confidence to engage in education, volunteering or work. Lisa has now become an extremely active and inspiring volunteer, helping individuals, her community and Wales in a number of ways – including helping to run a local fruit and veg cooperative. While her volunteering work is supporting Lisa's recovery and helping her to build confidence and skills for the future, she is also making a valuable contribution to individuals and the wider community.