ANYONE with experience of depression or other mental health problems will know that it can be difficult to even face the day ahead, making the prospect of employment a daunting one.

To mark World Mental Health Day today, Horton Housing Association is giving sufferers a chance to use their experience to help others, and build valuable work skills in the process.

Eight years ago Linda was diagnosed as bi-polar after 30 years of mental health problems, which included bouts of clinical depression.

Her illness manifested itself in both extreme highs, when she felt invincible and lacked inhibition, and lows. Her psychotic episodes could last anything from a few days to a couple of weeks and sometimes she would end up in hospital as a result.

She is now on mood stabilisers and anti-psychotic medication and has not had a psychotic episode for 18 months.

Linda had an unhappy childhood and later suffered abuse and a number of traumas as an adult, including divorce, her former partner's suicide and the near death of her 14-year-old daughter in a car accident.

“My life felt like it was just one bad thing after another,” says Linda. “I would just get over something, and then something else would come along. Not just everyday things, but major traumas."

Linda received help from various services over the years then, through a support worker at Bradford-based Horton Housing, she found she had the help she needed to re-build her life.

“My support worker at Horton Housing really encouraged me; she got me to go to Horton Training Centre, where I found out about the peer mentoring scheme,” says Linda.

Volunteering as a peer mentor with the organisation is a chance for Linda to give something back to those who have helped her over the years.

Her illness meant that she has only been able to be in employment sporadically, and the pressures of work also caused problems. “It’s like playing snakes and ladders - you get so far and then you go back down again to square one,” she says.

Volunteering is a way for Linda to get back into work, and she would like to be a support worker one day. Having gone through a lot of similar experiences, she says she can relate to her clients.

“Volunteering with the peer mentors gives me purpose - a reason to go out and do things," says Linda. "I have benefited from befriending in my time and I know how invaluable it is. It also helps build your independence and confidence back up.”

Linda is currently matched with one client, and is hoping to take on another if she feels well enough. She also volunteers for Bradford and Airedale Mental Health Advocacy Group.

Horton Housing’s peer mentoring scheme is a befriending scheme which matches volunteers with clients who need an extra helping hand. Volunteers spend a couple of hours a week with their client, helping out with tasks such as taking them shopping, going swimming or to the cinema, or just calling by to have a cup of tea and a chat.

All volunteers are fully trained and the scheme is now looking for new befrienders who have experienced mental health issues themselves. The training is very practical and those taking part do not need previous experience to apply. Anyone who has problems with reading or writing can still apply.

Esther Holroyd, peer mentor co-ordinator, said: “We look favourably on people who have had their own personal experience of mental health issues or perhaps have had a family member with these issues.

“Volunteers are fully trained and will be subject to a DBS check. You will be matched carefully with a client to ensure that you get on and have things in common.”

Peter, one of the peer mentors, said: “I think it’s really important to have interests in common so you can relate to the person and gradually build up their trust in you. Often people in that situation are very lonely. I know what that loneliness feels like, and it’s awful.”

Another peer mentor Chris has been helping his client access activities such as pottery and T’ai chi. Chris said: “I felt worthless for years. Now I know I have something to give.”

The scheme is hosting a drop-in event on Monday at its offices at the Fieldhead Business Centre in Bradford.

* Anyone interested in finding out more about the scheme is asked to go along between 10am and 3pm or ring Esther on (01274) 379725 or 07584 015790.