Will’s Story

I have really enjoyed my time here as a Volunteer at KHL. Last year I was a mess, I was isolated and completely agoraphobic. My world was getting smaller and smaller, and I ended up being on long term sick leave from work. I had really bad anxiety and didn’t even feel comfortable leaving the house. I knew I needed some support, so I reached out on social media on one of the Ilkley pages, asking if there were any local support groups in the area. Somebody suggested the group in Ilkley which I started to attend. It took me a lot attend the group, but I am so glad I did as this is where I found out about KHL, who turned out to actually run the group. 

When I found out more about KHL I realised they offered volunteer programmes, and this really appealed to me. I know from being an Occupational Therapist that volunteering can be ideal to help bridge gaps in employment and build confidence, so I decided to reach out. I met with Kristina, who was so warm and welcoming and I became KHL’s “Handyman” and also a volunteer for the Positive Vibes group, helping to set up the room and doing some Project Support.

I love coming to KHL, it is so inviting and welcoming and I really feel I belonged there. I could come in for a cuppa and a chat when in passing.

Kristina really helped me manage things when I was feeling overwhelmed sometimes. I feel that volunteering helped me build a routine which helped me phase myself back into work, and I now have a new job starting Monday.

I also took part in a WRAP programme which I really enjoyed and this also helped me fill time and gave me useful tools to manage my anxieties, supporting me even further into going back to work. Even travelling to Keighley from Ilkley has helped me, as I will need to do this for my new job, and doing this has given me the routine of getting out of the house and driving to where I need to go, which I would not have managed before.