March is the host of Nutrition & Hydration Week (16th-22nd March), making it the perfect time to pause, reset, and pay attention to these fundamental needs.

Nutrition provides the energy and nutrients our cells, organs, and nervous system require to work efficiently. Hydration supports circulation, digestion, temperature regulation, and even brain function. Without these basics, everything else – from your ability to concentrate at work to your emotional resilience – is compromised.

Think of food and water as the “base layer” of your wellbeing. Everything else you do, from meditation to exercise, is more effective when your body is properly fuelled.

• Blood sugar fluctuations from skipping meals or consuming refined carbs can trigger irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.
• Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, support brain function and have been linked to reduced symptoms of depression.
• Micronutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc are essential for neurotransmitter production, influencing sleep, motivation, and stress resilience.

Even minor nutrient deficiencies can quietly undermine emotional stability, leaving us more vulnerable to stress.

Water is the single most abundant substance in the human body – making up roughly 60% of an adult’s body weight. Every cell, tissue, and organ relies on water to function properly, including the brain. Even mild dehydration can impair attention, memory, and mood, leaving us feeling fatigued, irritable, or foggy-headed.

To put it in perspective, the human body can survive weeks without food, but only a few days without water, highlighting just how crucial it is for both physical and mental health. Staying hydrated helps regulate stress hormones, supports neurotransmitter function, and maintains optimal cognitive performance, making it a foundational piece of overall wellbeing.

It’s important to remember that food and water are just one piece of the puzzle – they won’t magically make us happy or solve our problems on their own. However, that doesn’t mean we should overlook the impact of what we eat and drink. Nutrition and hydration provide the foundation on which many other aspects of wellbeing can flourish.

Recognising this connection between body and mind – and supporting it consistently – is a vital step in building overall wellbeing. By attending to these foundational needs, we’re not just “taking care of our bodies,” we’re actively giving our minds the conditions they need to thrive. It’s a reminder that lasting mental health is holistic: each piece of the puzzle matters, and nutrition and hydration are key parts we shouldn’t ignore.

If starting the conversation feels daunting, these small steps can help:

1. 1. Start with yourself. Notice how you talk about mental health – your own and others’. Self-awareness is a powerful first step.
   2. Learn a little. You don’t need to be an expert, but understanding the basics can help conversations feel less intimidating.
   3. Choose your words with care. Language matters. Person-first language reminds us that someone is more than their mental health challenges.
   4. Share only what feels right. Personal stories can be powerful, but there’s no pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with.
   5. Listen to understand, not to fix. Often, people want to be heard – not advised. Being present can mean more than saying the perfect thing.
   6. Be mindful and respectful. Everyone’s experiences are different. Sensitivity and curiosity go a long way.
   7. Make it normal. Asking “How are you, really?” can be a simple way to open the door to more honest conversations.

Here, we focus on practical wellbeing that encourages reflection and purposeful action. Not perfection, not pressure – but conscious choices that help us feel more balanced, capable and connected as the year unfolds.

Intentions, on the other hand, focus on how you want to live, not just what you want to achieve. An intention leaves room for growth, setbacks and changing circumstances, while still giving you a clear inner compass.

Instead of demanding perfection from day one, intentions invite consistency, self-awareness and choice. They ask you to show up again and again, rather than prove something once. That’s why intentions last – they evolve with you, rather than collapsing the moment life gets messy.

An intention might be:

• To respond thoughtfully rather than react
• To protect time and energy for what matters most
• To build habits that support both wellbeing and confidence

Intentions aren’t about lowering standards – they’re about choosing direction with flexibility. They encourage self-awareness, consistency and progress over time. Writing intentions down and reviewing them regularly can help turn them into practical anchors for everyday decisions.

Reflection is most effective when paired with practical steps. Small, consistent actions – such as planning, journaling, tracking habits or noting progress – help transform intentions into meaningful change.

To help with this, we’ve released a range of digital worksheets, tools and planners designed to support focus, self-awareness and everyday wellbeing. They’re available via the shop on our website for anyone who finds value in clear structure and guided reflection.

We’ve created an intention-setting worksheet that’s FREE to download throughout January to help you get started! From February, it’ll be available to purchase.

If you’d like to go beyond a single worksheet and track your intentions and progress throughout the year, the ‘A Year of Intentions’ bundle gives you everything you need to reflect, reset, and stay aligned.

You can find both of these in our new shop here: https://stan.store/Isorropia

(Please note: As a non-profit organisation, all proceeds from our shop are reinvested into the running and development of Isorropia Foundation) 

Will you be engaging with initiatives such as Dry January, Veganuary, Brew Monday, and Parent Mental Health Day?

If you’d like to share your intentions for 2026 with us, you can comment on our Facebook and Instagram posts – we’d love to hear what you’re focusing on this year.

We look forward to another year of learning, connection and progress – and we’re glad to be moving into it together.

As we embrace the arrival of autumn, I want to wish everyone a joyful season. This time of year, is truly enchanting, especially here at the Isorropia site. Nature begins its transformation, bringing shorter days and cooler temperatures. While these changes can sometimes feel a bit dreary, it’s important to remember that just as we cherish the warmth of sunshine, growth also requires the balance of rain and darkness. Both elements are essential for nurturing life.

When we take a moment to reflect, we realize that our lives mirror this reality: not every day will be filled with joy. There will be tough days that challenge us, and it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed and tempted to revert to old coping strategies. It’s okay to feel down for a while, but we must find the strength to recognise when it’s time to say, “enough is enough.” This is where the tools we offer at Isorropia can help us regain our balance. I wanted to share my thoughts on embracing acceptance and the art of letting go, a key focus in the Gift Foundation course.

Easier said the done right! Experiencing negative events in life can have a profound impact, and it’s easy to find yourself transported back to those moments through a familiar smell, sound, or word. Forgiveness can often seem daunting and challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s not about forgiving the event itself; rather, it’s about how we treat ourselves in the aftermath that truly needs our compassion and understanding.

What truly matters is recognising that your negative experiences can play into our self-beliefs and continue to damage us if we let them, but they do not define you. You are more than your trauma; you are a complex individual with a rich identity beyond those painful moments.

I used to be a victim of my negative experiences, constantly blaming my actions on what I had endured. I would think, “I behave this way because of how I was treated,” or “This triggers me because of my past.” I felt stuck, believing I couldn’t progress because of what I was going through, and I internalised feelings of worthlessness based on others’ words. I thought, “I’m not good enough because of this event.” In reality, I was caging my negative experiences in my mind, replaying them over and over, allowing them to define me. Living in the past obscured my future and prevented me from fully experiencing the present. The truth is, we have the power to choose. We can either let our past dictate our lives or we can rise up and move forward. Are we really going to let past events hold us back from living in the now?

Moving forward can feel challenging, and I truly wish I had all the solutions or could simply make everything better with a wave of a wand. However, I can share with you the steps I take in similar situations.

Life is not always easy things will come in that bring up the past and it may take you back for a minute. Try not to linger in that space for too long. When I find myself in this situation, I remind myself to let go and focus on the present moment. I recognise that I am here now, and I have grown from my past. To help ground myself, I often use the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, which helps me reconnect with the present. If you’re unfamiliar with this method, I encourage you to look for it in the upcoming emotional regulation workshop.

Consider using the following journal prompts on the topic of acceptance and letting go. Some of these questions may be uncomfortable, so remember to give yourself compassion, growth lies in discomfort!

• • • Reflect on a challenge you’ve overcome. How has this experience helped you grow and become stronger? What valuable lessons did you gain from it?
    • Rewrite your story with a fresh, empowering perspective. Focus on the incredible person you are becoming and the dreams you’re pursuing. For example: “I used to dwell in my past as the girl who faced bullying, the young mother who fought through challenges, and someone who felt unwell, overwhelmed, and shattered. Now, my new story is that I am Karleigh, a compassionate and empathetic individual who cherishes her work and is dedicated to helping others. I seek adventure and a deeper connection with the world around me.”
    • When facing a tough situation, ask yourself: What can I do to improve it? If I can’t change it, what positive steps can I take to let go and move forward with peace?
    • Think of a time when something good emerged from a difficult experience. How has that silver lining shaped your perspective and personal growth?
    • What are five strengths that make you unique and powerful? Celebrate these qualities and how they enrich your life.
    • What areas of your life do you have control over? Focus on these aspects and how you can enhance them to create more joy and fulfillment.
    • What is one negative belief you hold about yourself? Look for evidence that shows this belief is untrue and begin rewriting it into something positive.
    • How has your past influenced who you are today in a positive way? What valuable insights have you gained from your journey so far?
    • What would you gain by letting go of the past? Imagine the freedom, peace, and new opportunities that could come your way.
    • What makes you feel safe, supported, and at ease? Reflect on these sources of comfort and how they uplift you.
    • What situations or emotions trigger you, and how can you care for yourself when this happens? Consider healthy strategies that help you stay grounded and positive.

Favourite quote:

1. 1. “The socialism I believe in isn’t politics. It is a way of living. It is humanity. I believe the only way to live and to be truly successful is by collective effort, with everyone working for each other, everyone helping each other, and everyone having a share of the rewards at the end of the day.”
   2. “If a leader has a vision and everybody shares it, then success is inevitable. Any team is like an orchestra, where each person has their part to play. But it’s the leader who sets the tempo, who directs the people and makes them believe in a common goal. When everybody is working toward the same vision, with the same determination, then you create something very special.”
   3. “The key to success is to make every single person believe in the same idea. It’s not just about, resource or strategy. It’s about creating belief. It’s about making everyone realize that they are part of something bigger than themselves, that they are contributing to something that can be truly great.”

I can’t choose between these three statements; however, they are all from a man named Bill Shankly a working-class man who become a leader of people and teams in the 1960s and 70s. All these statements can be related to mental health and suggest that if we work together, look after each other and have belief that we are a part of something greater than ourselves, we will all lead happier lives.

What does wellness look like for me:

Wellness for me is about learning and awareness. As long as I’m working on creating stability, consistently developing a healthier and balanced lifestyle, working on acceptance and letting go, implementing and growing an open and positive mindset and connecting to a meaning and purpose daily, all of which consists of countless steps and activities, I feel well.

We are pleased to announce the recent addition of Ian to our team, who has already proven to be a significant asset to Isorropia. His rapid learning ability has been impressive, and I have personally found great pleasure in getting to know him. Ian exemplifies remarkable strength and unwavering determination, making it a privilege to have him as part of our organisation. Congratulations, Ian.

If you’ve attended any workshops recently, you may have encountered some of the new members of the bank team who are training with the wellbeing coaches. It’s been a joy to get to know them and witness their growing confidence during the sessions. Each of them contributes something fresh and inspiring to Isorropia, and we all look forward to seeing more of their involvement.

We are excited to welcome some new volunteer mentors who are here to support those who may need assistance during our workshops. These mentors are invaluable members of our team, bringing their lived experiences and knowledge of Isorropia to help others through our program. We truly appreciate their contributions!

I really enjoy this because it gives me the opportunity to interview many more people.

This month has been packed with birthdays at the office, and we truly enjoy celebrating our team mates’ special days 🎂 ❤️ with cards, gifts, singing, and occasionally throwing a little party for some good laughs.

Hello everyone!

Can you believe we’re halfway through September? For weeks, I’ve been reflecting on what to write for this blog, and in the process, I’ve learned something valuable about creativity and self-care. Sometimes, we expect creativity to flow effortlessly, but it’s okay if it doesn’t happen immediately. The key is not to give up. Instead, we can use these moments as an opportunity to explore deeper thoughts and emotions, learning more about ourselves in the process.

Recently, I noticed that I had been avoiding tasks by procrastinating, and I realised it was a pattern that no longer serves me. Recognising our tendencies is the first step toward transforming them!

When I asked myself why I felt this way, the answer that surfaced was overwhelm. Overwhelm is a feeling many of us experience, especially when juggling various roles and responsibilities. But instead of seeing it as a burden, I now view it as an invitation to reassess, slow down, and prioritise.

In the past, I used to shut down when life got too hectic, but now I know that we don’t have to carry that weight alone. We can choose to be gentle with ourselves and ask, “What do I need right now?”—because we are capable of overcoming these moments.

I used to set high expectations for myself whenever I felt overwhelmed, believing I had to do more only created additional pressure and stress; a cycle that was tricky to break. But now I understand it’s not about pushing harder—it’s about pausing, reflecting, and being kind to ourselves. Self-care isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. What helps me feel good when I’m energised may not be the same when I’m feeling overwhelmed. It’s about listening to what we truly need, and that changes from moment to moment.

One powerful tool I’ve discovered is simply speaking my thoughts out loud. When writing feels too difficult, expressing myself verbally helps release the mental clutter. It’s incredibly freeing and can be a great way to process emotions when journaling or other methods don’t feel right.

When overwhelm strikes, it’s important to recognise it for what it is—a sign that we need to shift our approach, not a reason to feel defeated. For example, recently with the school holidays, I wanted to spend quality time with my kids, excel in my work, and stay connected with friends. But rather than seeing these responsibilities as pressures, I now view them as areas where I can give myself permission to show up authentically. I don’t have to be perfect—just present and kind to myself along the way.

Acknowledging that we all experience these feelings helps us build resilience. It’s empowering to recognise that we have the ability to release some of the pressure we put on ourselves. By doing so, we allow ourselves to thrive rather than just survive!

Everyone, at some point in their lives, will experience overwhelm. So, what steps can we take when we feel overwhelmed?

1. 1. Acknowledge your emotions – It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It’s a normal human experience.
   2. Be kind to yourself – Show yourself the same compassion you’d offer a friend.
   3. Shift your mindset – Instead of saying, “I must,” try, “I would like to.” It adds a sense of choice and ease.

And how can we respond when these feelings arise?

1. 1. Be honest with yourself – Recognise when things feel like too much, and give yourself permission to take a break.
   2. Treat yourself with compassion – It’s perfectly normal to feel this way, and you deserve kindness.
   3. Think small – Focus on small, manageable actions that can positively impact your well-being without draining your energy. Simple steps like staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, or taking just 5-10 minutes to sit in silence can make a significant difference. Remember to take breaks during your workday and establish a consistent sleep routine; these are the essential building blocks of self-care. Consider exploring workshops on basic human needs for further insights.

Taking care of yourself isn’t just important—it’s essential. When you prioritise your well-being, you’re better equipped to care for others. Remember, you are the most valuable resource in your life, and giving yourself the care and attention you deserve is a wise and powerful choice.

• Consider dedicating a few pages in your journal or creating a special file on your phone to collect all the positive moments in your life. It may seem trivial, but I find it incredibly beneficial. Include uplifting quotes, photos of things that bring you joy (like your pets or family), and any kind words you’ve received—no need to fully believe them, just jot them down. Also, note down any positive actions you’ve taken. When you’re feeling down or overwhelmed, revisit these pages for a boost of warmth and encouragement.
• Think about what you truly need in this moment.
• Utilise the negative thoughts diary from the anxiety workshop to help process your feelings.
• Compile a list of self-care activities that uplift your spirit.

“On Thursday I finally completed my wing walk and my biggest challenge yet! I completely pushed myself out of my comfort zone and boy, it was absolutely worth it.

Sometimes our comfort zones can become uncomfortable, and we need to do something to push ourselves out of that, even if it’s scary. I had a text on Thursday morning saying, if you can get out of bed and face the day, you can do anything. The best advice I think I’ve been given. Whether it’s sending a text to someone, getting out of bed, or doing a wing walk, nothing ever changes if we stay in our comfort zone. Push yourself out, I promise it’s worth it.

Thank you all for the support and being a wonderful bunch to of cheerleaders, your support throughout this has meant so much!”

Are you a community member? Would you like to share your story on the blog?

Are you a community member? Would you like to share your Isorropia experiences, or perhaps share something positive you have done after improving your wellbeing. What tools do you use from our workshops? What workshop do you enjoy the most or fill us in on how you found the GIFT course, is there a wellbeing coach you would like to thank Please contact Karleigh and tell me all about it at hello@isorropia.uk.

Karleigh xx

Hello everyone, it’s great to be back! I hope you’re all doing well. As we missed June’s blog, this will be a mix of the past two months. So much has happened in the last two months and I’m afraid I can’t fit it all in!

We recently celebrated our 5th birthday by hosting our Summer Wellbeing Day with Isorropia members and their family and friends.

It was all about fun and connection! Thank you to everybody who came along, the Isorropia team had a great day celebrating with you.

If you’re a member and you’re not receiving our emails, contact us and let us know so you don’t miss any events or updates!

The past 5 years have flown by and we are grateful to everyone, past and present, who have helped Isorropia Foundation get to where we are today and we look forward to what the next 5 years will bring!

Life is full of ups and downs, and it’s important to acknowledge that we can’t always be at our best. One of the most courageous things we can do is to admit when we’re struggling and reach out for help. Being honest about how we’re feeling is a pivotal step in improving our wellbeing.

It can be tough when setbacks happen, but facing these challenges head-on is crucial for moving forward. Recently, I encountered a particularly difficult situation when my 19-year-old son was involved in a serious motorcycle accident at the end of June. The shock of the accident was immense, and I immediately went into mom mode, taking care of what needed to be done. I made the important decision to reach out to my colleagues and let them know what was happening, something I wouldn’t normally do. I realised the importance of letting people know so they could understand and offer support.

After the initial shock wore off, I experienced a range of emotions: lack of energy, numbness, fear, guilt, worry, anger, anxiety, and overwhelm. I found myself trying to bury my emotions instead of dealing with them. These responses were completely natural. However, the key thing that I did differently this time was reaching out to friends and colleagues. I was open about where I was at, being truthful and honest, allowing myself to truly feel those emotions and be kind to myself. Journaling is usually my go-to wellness tool, but since I lacked the energy, I turned to reading and revisited some questions I had asked myself before. It turned out to be the best decision I could have made!

Being honest with ourselves and those around us is key to maintaining our mental health. It’s okay to have moments of feeling low and vulnerable. By reaching out and allowing ourselves to feel, we can build resilience and face life’s challenges with greater strength.

How do you feel when experiencing low mood?

Examples: Not wash or dress, withdraw and isolate, stay in bed, overthink, negative thoughts, take things to heart, clouded thinking, shake, sleepless.

What things keep you well?

Examples: talk to people I trust, walk the dog, journal (find 3 positives in the day), read, drink water, eat healthy, garden, brain dump my feelings on paper, listen to upbeat music, meditation, get dressed (wear something nice), do my hair/make up, feel the feelings (it’s ok), be kind to yourself.

 Ask yourself:

• • What things can I control? 
  • What are the things I can’t control?
  • Can I influence/change this situation? If I cant can I accept it and let it go?
  • What are my beliefs right now?
  • Are my beliefs true?
  • What am I making this mean?
  • What do I feel about this situation or what do I want to feel?
  • What positive things are happening in my life right now?
  • Name 3 situations I have overcome in the past?
  • Who can I talk to?
  • How can I grow from this?

 It’s okay to not always be at 100%, we’re all human. Reflecting on how I would have dealt with such a situation in the past made me realise how far I have come and how much more resilient I am now. By setting a goal from my wellbeing list each day and being honest with myself, I’ve managed to get back on track. This small act was a significant step towards reclaiming my wellbeing. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in our lowest moments, we can find strength in simple actions.

 It’s been a month since my son’s accident, and he’s doing well—getting stronger every day and starting to walk independently again.

It’s crucial to understand that feeling down doesn’t always stem from a major event or circumstance. It could be as simple as a comment or a negative thought. Life is full of ups and downs, and the key is to remember that the lows won’t last. You have the strength to overcome them.

When you’re feeling down, acknowledge it. Remind yourself that it’s normal to feel sad or frustrated. Take some time to sit with those emotions, rest, and show yourself some compassion. Just remember not to let yourself be consumed by negativity. You have the power to break free from that cycle. By embracing these moments and being honest about them, we build resilience and move forward, one step at a time.

If you want to learn tools for low mood, I recommend our workshops ‘Overcoming Low Mood’ and ‘The Fear of Getting Well.’ Also, you may find ‘wellbeing planning’ useful to help you set those small goals to get on track.

Zara | Volunteer Mentor

Favourite Workshop: Building Health Relationship, because it can truly be a useful tool to have in forming connections with others which before I did the workshop, I found hard to do or I would make the wrong kind of friendships and relationship. Now having done this workshop I have all the skills and tools to make more meaningful friendships and relationships which are more in line with the kind of person I truly am.

What keeps me well: I find that spending time in the countryside and connecting with wildlife really boosts my overall wellbeing. It’s amazing how much nature has to offer when you take the time to explore and learn about it. Another thing that has helped me is learning to prioritize my own needs and saying no when necessary. I used to feel guilty about taking time for myself, but now I set aside two days a week for self-care. Whether it’s catching up with friends over coffee or spending time on my hobbies like gaming and working on my YouTube channel, these “me” days help me recharge and be myself.

Favourite Quote: My favourite quote would be from Chris Grosser who said the following “Opportunities don’t happen, you create them” and I strongly believe this quote as we all have the power within us if take the chance to act on them and not let our own fears and inner critic tell us we’re not good enough at it, as we are all good enough and can do it.

About Me: Hi, I’m Zara, one of the volunteer Mentors at Isorropia. I started out as a member like so many others, I had ups and downs with things like building friendships, and mental health illnesses, like depression and anxiety. In the past, I went from one NHS mental health service to another and got a little better, but I never had a team or someone to turn to if I had a low moment, until I found out about Isorropia. When I started, I felt like “here we go again” but as time went on and I fully took onboard their workshops and ‘The Gift Course’. I found they are not like the others, and they gave me the time to come to terms with things on my own. Isorropia where always happy to advise, guide, and help me see things outside the box. Through the toolbox of skills, I found myself and I’m the happiest version of myself I can be right now.

So, when they had a volunteering role come up, I jumped at the idea of being able to give back to a great mental health organisation, as they were able to give me so many more skills and tools I didn’t have, or I didn’t know how to use correctly. I always enjoyed volunteering at places I have passion for. When I was 16 years old, I volunteered at Osborne House with the horse drawn carriages when it was run by the late Mr John Parker of swingletree stables. There I volunteered while going to high school then they employed me when I left high school. I’d say the thing I enjoy about volunteering is I get to help and support a company I have a passion for. It’s a way for me to give back and say thank you for helping me and supporting me. Plus, I enjoy helping and supporting people, so it’s a good fit and makes me feel like I am doing something good. 

Jo-Ann | Volunteer Mentor & Minibus Driver

My Role: I drive the bus. Which I love. I like the way people get on the bus for the first time.  They are very nervous and have high levels of anxiety.  I like to try and put them at ease. The bus is completely silent going to Isorropia.  Then coming back doing the drop off, the people are talking and optimistic about the future. 

I’m also a Mentor. Mentoring is my ikigai. I love being able to put people at ease and helping guide them through the workshops.  It brings me great satisfaction and joy.

I also support ‘The Gift Course’. I do the slides. It’s certainly never boring. I love helping with this because I get to see people’s light bulb moments 💡 Kind of watching the effects of the gift workshop suddenly change people’s views on life and goal making.  It’s great.

Favourite Workshop: My favourite workshop is definitely the gift and the inner critic. The name of mine is wrong Rodger. I refuse to listen to his negativity and choose to be optimistic. I actually love all of the workshops.

What keeps me well: I love that I now have a dog. I love walking him. He is very cuddly and knows when I need him by my side. He is in training as a support dog for me. He brings me great joy. Sometimes frustration. Also, my volunteering keeps me well. I am constantly learning. I work hard on myself every day, and I journal. Find something good in every day.

Favourite Quote: “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” I got it from watching Steel Magnolias. I think Shirley Maclain said it and I’ve hung on to it ever since.

Mike | Volunteer Minibus Driver

Favourite Workshop: The Repair Shop workshop on TV! I have not attended any Isorropia workshops as I am content at the moment to just drive.

What keeps me well: Now that I am retired, I like to keep myself active through doing some voluntary work, walking. To stay mentally healthy I read a lot, play guitar and ukulele and I make wooden scale models of boats (radio controlled) and trams trains etc. to keep my mind active.

Favourite Quote: Desiterata by Max Ehrmann.

This is a long “quote” of rules or guidelines to live by it starts “Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons…”

I urge you if you have not heard this before to look it up and read it in full. (Click here to read the full quote)

About Me: I live in Lake with my wife Gill and we have been married for 41 years this July. We have two sons and one granddaughter. Before I retired, I was working for the ambulance service at St. Mary’s as a Patient Transport driver/care assistant.

Prior to that I was a self-employed driving instructor for about 10 years and prior to that I was a full time Youth and Community worker for nearly 25 years. It was this that brought me to the island in 1981 as a youth worker in Cowes. I subsequently worked back in my native Norfolk (in Gt Yarmouth) before moving back to the island to work at Ventnor Youth and community centre and then Sandown Youth Centre.

I love walking, I am learning to play guitar and ukulele. Music is very important to me, I like many types from heavy rock to traditional folk, blues and some classical!

Gill and I go to many live music events including festivals in our camper van.

I love riding my motorbike (only in good weather these days).

As well as volunteering for Isorropia, I also volunteer for Shanklin Community Library to help in keeping it running following council cuts several years ago. I also sing in a male voice choir, raising money for local charities. So far this year we have raised over £1500.

Volunteering is ‘going to work’ for me now, it gives me a sense of purpose and provides a means to meet new people from all walks of life. I always intended to volunteer when I finally finished full time employment and I hope to be able to continue doing so for many years.

Tasha | Community Engagement Volunteer

Favourite Workshop: Confidence & Self Esteem, I need this workshop periodically to remember to push myself in order to keep gaining my confidence.

What keeps me well: Mindfulness. Puzzles. Audio books (Thrillers).

Favourite Quote: “It’s not about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

About Me: I first came to Isorropia 4.5 years ago, I was isolating myself from the world & had extremely low self-esteem & self-worth.

After engaging with all the workshops & completing the Gift course, I entered the community umbrella, and it was here I met friends that helped & supported me on the next part of my journey, helping to keep me socialising in groups & they will be in my life forever!

It was in these groups that I found my passion for the community & it’s value in members journeys, I slowly started volunteering my time to make posters & help with the Newsletter and, now, I create the Newsletter each month, make all the social group posters, and hopefully keep members engaged on The Graduates Facebook Page.

This helps keep me well & would encourage anyone to find their passion & volunteer!

Keith | Minibus Driver & Mentor

Favourite Workshop: Fear of getting well

What keeps me well: Realising your emotions and thoughts are not facts they are more like clouds in the sky, sometimes dark and sometimes light and fluffy with blue skies, let it pass.

Favourite Quote: “Those that mind don’t matter and those that matter don’t mind, remember you do you!”

About Me: My lived experience has been living my life as I perceived society and family expected me too until I burnt out in 2016 suffering from anxiety, severe depression and a mental breakdown. I distanced myself from unhelpful relationships losing my sense of self purpose, identity, career, marriage and home. 

Three years ago, I relocated to the Isle of Wight from Belfast joining the RNLI crew in Cowes and Isorropia as a training mentor in the past 12 months. Mentally, I’m in the best place I ever have been with new empowerment skills learnt here to move out of victim mode. 

I also came out as gay late in life to my family, friends, and children, and have learnt to forgive and let go of my inner prejudice. Learning self-respect, able to be my true self with a new aim to help and inspire others.

Thank you so much to our wonderful team of volunteers!

Karleigh xxx