"I retired around a year and a half ago after 40 years of full-time work. During my career, I was diagnosed with depression in my 30s and around eight years ago, I was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder.
"On the whole, I was able to keep working, but I had occasional short periods of absence. One of the things that really helped me come to terms with my diagnosis was BHT Pathfinder.
"Basically, I had to find something to occupy my over-anxious brain, and so it was that BHT recommended me to attend a local book club. Reading was something I enjoyed, and the discipline of having to read one book a month by a certain deadline was really helpful for me. I also went along to a weekly BHT relaxation class. This opened my mind to more alternative help.
"When I retired, I knew that I would have lots of time on my hands, and I wanted to give something back, so volunteering for BHT Pathfinder seemed like a good idea. I attended a very thorough training course over 12 weeks, together with other online and face-to-face training. Then I started helping at BHT’s book club in Crawley.
"We meet every month and discuss whatever attendees have read, rather than a set text. The group caters for all levels of readers, not just the accomplished, and you don’t have to have read a whole book to attend.
"I have found that attendees of the book club rediscover themselves and, over time, are able discuss a subject of their choice. The group is informal and fun, getting clients out and about, as well as interacting with other people.
