''I am someone who is often called complex in the mental health world. I have Bipolar and Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder. Both which come with considerable misunderstanding and stigma. I tell you this so you know that I often go to groups and then don’t go back. I had been to Sarah’s Lady’s Club once a couple of years ago but the times and location didn’t work for me then. Fast forward to March 2023. I became really mentally unwell; the worst people now tell me they had seen me in 10 years. I knew I couldn’t just sit at home. I have friends and a lovely partner. I knew because of what I do in my working life that you need to have a balance of family, friends, community and statutory services to get well again. Especially community as I firmly believe people get well in their communities; not services. So it was time once again to put what I knew into practise. I have know idea why but I found a post on Facebook that Sarah’s that the group had moved back to Penistone my home town. I showered (which is a great effort when I feel like this) and plucked up the courage to go. I walked through the door and sat down with my bottle of Lucozade which gives me energy when I’m not well. I started to speak. In them first weeks not a lot but slowly I opened up more and more and haven’t felt judged once. I didn’t feel crazy or less than which I was been made to feel in other places at the times. Sarah’s Ladies Group gave me an anchor in my week. Often it was the only time I left the house. It gave me something to aim for and place I could go and speak and share that was not part of my everyday world. I work in the world of community and have been developing groups based on peer support for many years. I can honestly say that Sarah gets what peer support is all about in her heart. She doesn’t need teaching; and that’s rare to find''.