Published on: 17th February 2026
A Middleton mental health nurse has shared how her own experience of mental illness — and volunteering with NHS services — inspired her career supporting others.
Nicola Devereux, who works for our Heywood and Middleton community mental health team, hopes her story will encourage other people with their recovery and to consider volunteering or a career in healthcare.
Royal Air Force veteran and mum-of-five Nicola first became interested in volunteering following a lengthy period of recovery from mental illness. With encouragement from her community mental health nurse, she felt able to take what she describes as an important first step back into purposeful activity.
Nicola explains: “During that time, I lost much of my confidence, but with the support of my community mental health nurse — who believed in me and encouraged me to spread my wings and rebuild my sense of purpose — I felt able to take this step to volunteer.”
She became a patient experience volunteer with community child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) at Fairfield Hospital in Bury, which helped her rebuild confidence and prepare for returning to work.
Nicola said: “I chose to volunteer with Pennine Care because it has a strong reputation for being an inclusive and supportive organisation. I felt confident that I could put myself forward without fear of stigma or judgment, and that my experiences would be valued and respected.”
“When I first started volunteering, I was feeling quite lonely and unsure of myself. Volunteering helped me rebuild my confidence, create positive routines, and connect with others. It gave me a sense of purpose and helped me prepare for returning to work at my own pace.
Inspired by her experiences, Nicola decided to pursue a career in nursing. “Volunteering gave me the confidence to take the next step and enrol on an access to nursing and midwifery course at college — something I might not have felt ready for without the support and encouragement I gained.
Nicola has now been working as a qualified mental health nurse for two years and has recently been promoted. She said: “I’m part of an amazing, inclusive team. Working alongside such supportive colleagues continues to motivate me and reminds me how far I’ve come since my recovery."
“I’m proud to use my own experiences to support others and to contribute to a caring, compassionate environment.”
Looking ahead, Nicola hopes to continue developing her skills within mental health services. “My goal is to become a non-medical prescriber so I can provide more comprehensive care. It feels like a natural progression — growing professionally while continuing to make a positive difference.”
Nicola hopes her story will encourage others who may feel uncertain about their future. “If you’re reading this and feeling self-stigmatised, hopeless, or judged, please know there is hope. Volunteering can open doors, help you feel accepted, and remind you of your value.
“Different doesn’t mean less, it means unique, and your experiences can become your strength. My pain wasn’t wasted; it became the foundation of my resilience and compassion, and it can help guide you toward your own journey of growth and recovery.”