Don't just take our word for it
Our clients tell it best.
Brooke House Wellbeing Centre is just that. As you drive down the lane towards Brooke House, you pass deer running across the land, rabbits and lambs jumping and bleating, and birds singing. You then realise there is another life out there. One of happiness, one of life breathing into your lungs, and you immediately feel better. Then you see the walled garden with Dougal and his team and meet Anya with her beautiful thoughts on life and wellbeing. And of course, the amazing staff behind the scenes all working to help you. The dark days of PTSD are very real for service and ex-service personnel and their families. Brooke House can help, they are only a phone call away, but they can make a lifetime of difference.
Tim
When the therapist described how Trauma affects the body and brain, I took a deep breath because they put words and understanding to my experience. I have waited 28 years to understand this… a turning point.
I feel safe in Brooke House. When I leave I feel lighter.
I would have responded different before counselling. Now I understand what my needs are.
Loved it – everyone was heartfelt, open and honest. I liked the trust and confidentiality within the group.
We learned about different masks that we wear. Sometimes you are afraid to be your true self.
Brooke House helps people live in the present and plan for the future, yet dealing with the past.
I’ve become a much stronger person. I was at rock bottom when I heard about Brooke House. It was a lifeline.
Client A
Q1. Can you tell us how you first became involved with Brooke House:
I have been attending Brooke House since before covid, so 4 years now and started by attending the Defence Garden Scheme course, followed by the Carers course. I have also received talking therapy which has helped reduce my anxiety and stress.
Q2. What inspired you to become a Pathway Link Worker:
I had been doing peer support/befriending for other organisations for years, so it was natural that I wanted to put back into Brooke House after receiving so much help personally. I have been a Pathway Link Worker for about 18 months now here.
Q3. What is the role of a Pathway Link Worker:
I often receive requests to bring a new client to offer reassurance and part of this will involve giving them a tour of the facilities, showing the client the gardens, fishing lake, where the staff work from and who is who, also a brief show of the therapy rooms if available. During my time with them I spend time talking with them to help them relax and also get to know them. Sometimes I will call them to see if there is anything else I can help them with in my role as Pathway Link Worker. During these conversations I try to encourage them to leave the house and come to Brooke House for all of the reasons that I found this so important to my mental health, and knowing it will benefit theirs.
I will also call clients to ensure they are able to attend, and collect or meet them. It is important that I listen to them and let them know that I can empathise, having been through trauma myself. I try to explain that courses are more than just gardening etc. I explain to them that there is a sense of safety and peace, and that everyone is aware of the importance of confidentiality with clients.
Whilst I was receiving my Pathway Link Worker training by QE5, I found the level of work very intense. I struggled with some of it due to my dyslexia, however two staff from Brooke House helped me on a 121 basis in order for me to pass the course. The overriding message from the training is the importance of helping clients understand they can trust me.
Q4. What motivates you to continue in this role:
I am very aware of the need for volunteers, and I have the time and enjoy meeting people and helping people – it also helps my own mental health, and knowing that by sharing my experience helps others to share theirs, and realise that they can be helped.
Q5. How would you describe Brooke House to Clients:
Peaceful, confidential, safe, and a huge level of kindness from everyone involved. I tell potential clients that people can feel secure, that confidentiality is imperative and they only choose what to share themselves about their experiences. I refer many people Brooke House knowing that whilst they may not be ready to engage, that Brooke House is there to support them when they are in need.