Buddy story
I loved every second of my time with the Open Door Project; I found it to be a great experience for both buddy and volunteer alike. Kathy and Joanne helped provide me with the training I needed to perform my role as a buddy; this was just the first step they took in supporting me. They introduced me to other buddies who I could share experiences with, and provide additional advice.
They matched me with volunteers who had similar interests to myself and once I started buddying they kept in regular contact, making sure everything was okay, whether that be at the project office or having a friendly cup of coffee at a local coffee shop. The additional training I received through the Open Door Project has also been extremely useful. Through them, I have completed courses in Mental Health First Aid and in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills. As well as being relevant to my role as buddy, these have also been of great use in my personal development. helping me to gain my current role working for the NHS.

It was a privilege to be able to work with the volunteers. For them, the project is invaluable; it is their abilities rather than their disabilities that are concentrated on. They receive training to help deal with volunteering, but they are not obliged to volunteer; if they are well they can jump straight into it, but if they do not feel able at any point, they are not made to feel bad in any way and are welcomed back if and when they are ready. For the most part, I have supported volunteers in working at the local dog shelter, helping to walk the stray dogs; I have also helped volunteers at Riding for the Disabled and in an Alzheimer's day centre.

Every single volunteer has really valued their experiences. They sometimes talk about their problems and the support they have received through them, and that volunteering is their way of giving something back to society, which they wouldn't be able to do without the project. I find it hard to write anything that I feel really does the project justice.
The training and experience I gained through buddying with them was invaluable, and it was an enormous pleasure and privilege working with everyone at the volunteer centre, the Open Door Project, and in particular, the volunteers. I miss them all! I would certainly have no hesitancy in recommending them to anyone who wanted to work with them as a buddy, to someone needing the services of a volunteer, or to someone with a mental health condition. The Open Door Project benefits everyone!

Emma Simpson
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