Wellbeing Works - the service that gave Jade her "power back."

When Jade was struggling with her mental health, she accessed Cyrenians Wellbeing Works based in Falkirk. Find out how this service, funded by Falkirk Employability Training Unit supported her. 

When I first met Carl at Wellbeing Works, I was totally lacking in confidence and had a very low self-esteem. My sense of self-worth was practically non-existent, and I didn’t feel like I could openly talk about my problems or feelings without judging myself, so I assumed the staff there would judge me too. 

In my first session Carl began by asking me about my daily routine, and I had no idea it’d end up being so insightful. When we talked it through, he noticed that I repeated certain chores throughout the day. He asked me why, and I couldn’t think of an answer. I realised I wasn’t being as productive as I thought and was distracting myself from what I was thinking and feeling. 

Opening up isn’t easy, but after a little trust building and getting to know each other, I soon began to feel comfortable and realised that I needed to be vulnerable to make a positive change within myself. By having me answer my own questions, Carl helped me to realise how self-aware I can be, how to hold myself accountable and notice when certain situations would arise – which are powerful tools. 

Carl also had me write down what I considered my strengths, where I found I could only manage the word “nice” - the way I’d always defaulted to describing myself. I found it difficult and emotionally challenging to bring out anything more. 

I felt so frustrated, sad and angry with myself for repeating behaviours that I knew were damaging my self-worth and relationships. I just couldn’t understand why I seemed to be working against myself, doing things that would have the opposite outcome to what I really wanted. I’d learned coping mechanisms during a tough childhood that no longer served me as an adult and realised it was time to change them. 

Our sessions helped me feel and understand that I didn't need to be afraid of my past and could feel safe as I started unlearning unhealthy behaviours and defence mechanisms. 

I’m a long way from the person who couldn't find a kind word to say about myself other than “nice.” Now, I could read you all an endless list of all my positive attributes. I am smart, kind, strong, determined, compassionate, empathetic and quite a bit quirky and tenacious but most of all I am me and I am enough.  

As we worked on building up my sense of self-worth, I started to be able to face my fears, make healthier choices and grow as a person again. I've now completed a nail course, joined a fitness class, booked our first family holiday abroad and become a volunteer befriender.. I’ve also just completed a COSCA counselling skills course, am planning to apply for a HNC next year and have started a psychology course. 

Now I am able to show myself kindness and compassion - something I have never been able to achieve before.  

To be heard and have someone fully actively listen to you seems simple - yet it’s incredibly powerful. Sometimes all someone needs is to talk in a safe, respected environment. I couldn’t have done it without Carl and the Cyrenians team at Wellbeing Works.  They gave me my power back.