Simon's bee-autiful new life

When we first met Simon

When Simon first came to us at PSS Wellbeing Centres, it was through a referral from his worker at the Citizens Advice Bureau. He’d originally reached out for support with his benefits, but it quickly became clear that there was more going on. Simon was feeling isolated and experiencing depression. That’s when he was introduced to our Wellbeing Centres service at Dutch Barn.

How PSS Wellbeing Centres supported Simon

Together, we created a wellbeing plan. Simon set himself a few simple but important goals: to leave the house at least once a week, to get the dental treatment he needed but had been putting off, and to start socialising again.

Over time, Simon began trying out different activities. He joined relaxation sessions, an overcoming anxiety and depression course, and gave Qui Gong a go. He picked up the ukulele, sang in groups, spent time in the men’s group, and even discovered a love for gardening and beekeeping. 

With support from the team, he also faced something that had been a real fear for him and got the dental treatment he needed.

A whole new Simon

Fast forward 18 months, and Simon’s life looks completely different. He’s done our peer support training programme and is now volunteering with us, proudly looking after his own beehive and sharing his skills as a bee guardian and gardener at PSS Dutch Barn.

From Pot Noodles alone to Christmas dinner with friends, Simon’s story shows how the right support and the courage to give new things a go can completely turn life around.