Lisa's story - A powerful message of hope after trauma
Stockport mum Lisa Simpson, 42, has shared her powerful story of recovery after receiving support from Stockport Living Well service.
The service is a new partnership between Pennine Care NHS, local GPs, Viaduct Care and community organisations, providing joined-up, personalised care for adults with complex mental health needs.
Following several traumatic experiences, Lisa’s mental health deteriorated to crisis point, leading to three suicide attempts.
Referred to the Living Well service by her GP, Lisa received urgent medication support from senior mental health practitioner Katie El Ouarrat, followed by therapy with wellbeing practitioner Sanya Amer. This helped her build coping skills, confidence and a self-care plan.
She was later supported by work coach Lewis Hagerty to return safely to her career as a veterinary nurse.
Now back in work and looking forward to the future, Lisa says the service gave her hope when she had none.
Read more of Lisa's story here.
Carl's story - overcoming an eating disorder
After years of struggling with binge eating disorder, Glossop dad Carl Scutt, 34, has thanked Living Well Tameside for helping change his life.
The service has supported nearly 10,000 people since 2019. It brings together NHS, primary care, council, police and voluntary sector partners to provide joined-up support, using a “no wrong door” approach.
Referred by his GP in 2024, Carl received weekly behavioural therapy from a mental health wellbeing practitioner to help him understand binge-eating patterns, build healthier habits and regain control.
He is now continuing specialist support with Greater Manchester Mental Health’s Eating Disorder Service. He reports he is no longer binge eating and feels close to full recovery, and is fundraising for eating-disorder charity Beat to give back.
Read more of Carl's story here.
Michael's story - joined up care keeps him safe
Michael, 55, from Milnrow (pictured left), has benefitted from the Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale living well service.
The service provides joined-up support for people with complex mental and physical health needs.
Michael was diagnosed with a serious mental health condition in his 20s. He has experienced hallucinations, hospital admissions, homelessness, physical health problems and episodes of severe binge drinking that have affected his health and relationships.
Michael was supported by Pennine Care mental health practitioner Jake, working closely with Pennine Care social worker Emma Christian, his GP and a Turning Point nurse to keep him safe and well.
Michael says this co-ordinated support has helped him feel reassured, better manage his condition, reduce isolation and work towards his goal of stopping drinking permanently.
Read more of Michael's story here.