HAVING just recovered from a long-term mental illness related to depression and anxiety, I recently returned to work with the assistance of Bury Employment Support and training (BEST).

After receiving the necessary medical care and attending group therapy sessions at Fairfield Hospital, I was nevertheless apprehensive as to how I would be received on my return to work.

Due to the illness and my long absence, I felt that I needed advice and support when meeting my employers again. With the assistance of a BEST representative a meeting took place: it was very reassuring and senior management were very understanding and supportive.

The BEST representative proposed a step-by-step action plan to assist my gradual integration back into the work place. I am now back at work and, once again, feel a sense of purpose and pride.

BEST assist individuals with long-term mental health problems and adults with learning difficulties to access training and paid employment. A wide range of support services and counselling support is available.

I am sure that many other people who have unfortunately fallen victim to mental illness will have encountered a similar experience. I hope that this relatively new service will be used to benefit other such members of the community in Bury. Many thanks to BEST.

JOHN T. BRIGGS

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.