Testimonials

D.P Testimonial

I came to SHIFT through the young persons’ A2i. Things were very difficult for me then. I was under the A2i because of attempts I’d made on my own life. I attended a forum in May 2024. I didn’t know what to expect and was terrified. It took several months for me to return, but I did, in September of the same year, again to the Forum. Despite my anxiety, it felt somehow comfortable. I did find it easier attending with my A2i support worker. I gradually eased my way in. Everyone there was welcoming, and they seemed like genuine people. I kept attending. It was a place where I didn’t have to be anyone except myself, and I gradually found my own space there. There was no expectation and I knew I didn’t have to talk if I didn’t want to.

After some time attending Forum, I started going to the art group. I liked that it was a Drop-in, and how informal it was. As I got to know others better, I started going to other groups. I met the practitioner that SHIFT use for two of their groups, Ginny, on a Monday at the very beginning of 2025 when she wasn’t expected to come. We were having coffee upstairs in the library and she arrived. She spent ten minutes talking to me about what she did. This made me feel much more at ease. I’d never experienced guided meditation and found it a great way to start the week! Ginny always creates a very inviting environment. I enjoy the Daily Stoic reading that we focus on and find the different points of view interesting. We don’t always stay on topic, and I like that if the reading does bring stuff up for me, I can talk about that.

Eventually, I started attending the Wednesday education session. I love the group! It grounds me. I can focus my thoughts and articulate myself well there. This is now my favourite session! I attend the board games group nearly every week. I love the fact that I haven’t heard of any of the games that we play, and also, until they’ve bought them, that neither have the facilitators!

SHIFT has helped me a lot. When I started, I was in a really low place. It provides a space where I can just be. This is very inviting. I’ve learned that other people need people too. Rich and Katie both bring a different energy to the groups, and it’s noticed when one of them isn’t there.

Thank you SHIFT!

A.W. Testimonial

Hello, my name is Andi. I have been asked to write a few words about SHIFT.

What makes SHIFT groups amazing, is the incredible level of acceptance. If you are struggling, with anything, they will hear you. It is a space for the lost to become found, the lonely to meet others and the unheard to be listened to without judgement. The fact they existed, and I was lucky enough to find them when I did, helped me hold my head above water when I felt there was nothing to do but drown. Through SHIFT I have found deep friendship and connection and renewed purpose. They have inspired in me a sense of community I hope I can share as I move forward.

Thank you all.

(Andi has been attending since August 2025)

C.A. Testimonial

April 2025

I found SHIFT through a support worker who accompanied me to the art group. I went along and enjoyed myself. I decided to go to the Thursday forum by myself. This was a big step as I was experiencing agoraphobia. I did want to be recognised as a person rather than one of many diagnosed conditions. Finding a place that was for mental health, but not about mental health proved invaluable.

I really like the fact that the staff have lived experience of mental health conditions too. I don’t feel crazy when I come to SHIFT. I’m used to feeling out of place – like an alien – but I don’t feel that way here. No matter which group, I always feel better afterwards. I’ve made friends here. It feels like a community.

I attend most of the groups throughout the week. I struggle to meditate by myself, so Monday Calm is invaluable. I have my personal therapy beforehand, and the group gives me space to decompress. The second half of the group is enjoyable too. I like to exercise the mental muscle and having the opportunity to disagree with some great thinkers from 2000+ years ago is one I wouldn’t be without!

I like the peer support element of the education group. It’s person-centred rather than prescriptive. The group feels very much like we’re in it together. We learn from a tutor, yes, but also from each other.

Whilst I’m not a competitive person, the board game group is fun! It’s nice to have a coffee and play some weird and wonderful games that I’ve never heard of before. It provides me with the opportunity to let the child in me out.

I like the structure of the Thursday Forum. Whilst the content changes, I know what I’ll be doing whilst I’m there. I leave feeling energised! There’s a lot of laughter in the group. I sometimes find afternoons difficult, so this is perfect for me.

SHIFT has been essential to my recovery! Through coming here I’ve challenged myself to attend other addiction services too. It’s a space that I can come to and be ‘messy’ without fear of judgement. It’s provided routine and structure to my week. I’m very grateful.

Updated February 2026

SHIFT has been a constant in my recovery. It has provided me routine, support and advocacy to the point that, if I don’t turn up to a group or drop out of some groups for a while, I no longer crash and burn. I have the faith and belief in myself that I can do things that I wouldn’t have entertained when I first started coming to SHIFT. SHIFT has given me the confidence, ability and knowledge to stand on my own two feet. I can do things, even if my mental health makes me believe I can’t.