David

“After my first volunteer gardening session that sense of purpose and belonging I felt for having given something back was worth more to me than any pill a doctor could prescribe. I’m not sure where I’d be now if it wasn’t for GL11, I’m not sure whether I’d be here at all.”

“I was in a state of desperation when a friend told me to contact GL11. I had been suffering with depression and treating it with alcohol for a long time. I arranged to see a doctor who prescribed anti-depressants and though they alleviated some of my struggles, I knew it wasn’t the correct path for me.”

“I took my friend’s advice and visited GL11. It was quite daunting at first just to step into the building, but the receptionist was so friendly and welcoming that I was immediately put at ease.”

“It wasn’t long before I met a member of staff who sat me down with a cup of tea and truly listened to me. She listened in a way I had not experienced before and truthfully, I felt acknowledged as a human being for the first time.”

“We spoke every time I visited, and after a while it was suggested to me that I might like to volunteer. So I joined the gardening group. “

“Just a smile or a hello from someone can absolutely make my day and to feel I’m giving back to the community makes it even better. GL11 demonstrates to me how the rest of society should be all the time.”