I have had mental health difficulties for most of my life and I've been immensely lucky to be surrounded by supportive people. This luck continued when I started working in the civil service, received a diagnosis and started taking medication. However, I still had to take several periods of time off work because I was too unwell to function. 

After one such absence, I returned to work part-time, which was good for my mental health, but less great for my finances. One of the things which has helped my mental health is counselling, however anyone who has tried to access counselling through the NHS is aware of the waiting list times. I had already been through occupational health previously, so I was left with private counselling as my option. I couldn't afford it, but knew that it would help me stay in work. 

That is when I read an account of someone receiving counselling from Relate through the Charity for Civil Servants. I figured it was worth a go. The person who looked after me through the journey to getting support was helpful, understanding and reassuring. The process, whilst not super quick, was surprisingly straightforward. I was put in touch with Anxiety UK, who partner with the charity for mental health support. They confirmed counselling could help, set me up with one of their counsellors, the Charity checked I wasn't hoarding money in a secret bank account, then agreed to fund it.     

Since then I have received a promotion, gone back to full time work, and decided that it was time I gave back. They gave me hope and support when I sorely needed it, and I know there are so many other people out there who need it now. 

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