Devon Wellbeing Hub Testimonial – individual support

Posted by Devon Partnership Trust in News, Recovery and wellbeing on 4th January, 2024

We spoke to a senior healthcare manager about the 1:1 support he received from one of our Colleague Wellbeing Practitioners at the Devon Wellbeing Hub, and the positive difference it has made to his wellbeing.

Why did you contact the Devon Wellbeing Hub? What made you reach out for help?

I reached out to the Wellbeing Hub for support as my marriage had ended, and in conversations with friends I realised that the relationship had been emotionally abusive and that I may need some specialist help. I was signed off from work and needed to access support.

What did your Colleague Wellbeing Assessment appointment involve?

I had a telephone call with Colleague Wellbeing Practitioner, Emerald, who was extremely kind and compassionate. During the appointment she allowed me space to talk, but also felt very containing.

Emerald was one of the first professionals I had spoken to about my difficulties. I had carried a lot of shame, guilt and confusion following years of narcissistic abuse. I felt like I was really able to talk to her about a lot of things that felt very raw and that I had kept hidden from friends and family for a long time. She validated my emotions and was incredibly supportive. She was able to provide a lot of reassurance that I could access support and that help would be available.

What was the outcome of the assessment? And did you find this outcome helpful?

Emerald talked to me about the options of support available through the Hub and was able to signpost me to some specialist services. I had previously been exploring counselling, and Emerald agreed that this may beneficial and encouraged me to access this, but let me know that I could always come back to the Hub for additional support should I need to. She also offered me a follow-up call to check in on how the counselling was going, which was helpful.

What do you think the impact would have been without the support from the Hub?

In those initial stages, having the reassurance from a supportive professional allowed to me to acknowledge that certain things had not been ok. It allowed me to acknowledge my partner’s behaviour as gaslighting, coercive and manipulative and that I was not going mad. 

Would you recommend this service to colleagues?

Yes; this was definitely the first positive step in the journey to recovery and I am really grateful we have access to a service like the Hub that can support people in similar situations.

Please do reach out if you’re struggling. It’s also helpful to discuss things with your Line Manager. Even if you feel alone, there will be some support you can access.  

Get in touch

You can find out more about to expect in a Hub wellbeing assessment in this article.

If you work in healthcare, social care or the police in Devon and would like free, confidential wellbeing support, please get in touch by calling 0300 303 5455, email dpt.devonwellbeing@nhs.net, or fill out the simple referral form on the Devon Wellbeing Hub website.

If you’ve been supported by the Devon Wellbeing Hub and would like to share your experience, please get in touch with Lauren Batten, Staff Wellbeing Communications and Engagement Coordinator, at lauren.batten1@nhs.net