"Keep doing the brilliant job that you do"

I was referred to the Wellbeing Service in June / July 2024 by my GP and from the onset I was impressed, firstly by the speed in which my referral was picked up and secondly by the professionalism of the communication regarding my initial appointment and the rescheduling of this.

As, I am sure is the case for many first time users I was apprehensive regarding my first appointment and let the adviser, Genevieve, know how unnerving I found it. Genevieve's, professionalism, high level of emotional intelligence and empathetic approach quickly alleviated my concerns and apprehension.

Moving the sessions onto video and then in person resulted in further apprehension but was again skilfully managed by Genevieve who's sympathetic approach and intuition, combined with the aids she introduced ensured that each type of session, no matter the location, was in sync/ appropriate to where I was at in regard to mood, anxiety levels and my willingness to engage. I took learning from each session despite at times being well out of my comfort zone.

Being from the Borders I shared my concerns around confidentiality and also being able to access the service without others knowing, this was handled sensitively and professionally by Genevieve, taking my concerns into consideration throughout and not trivialising the importance of this for me in relation to my situation.

The fact that the Wellbeing Advisers have the skill, flexibility and adaptability to deliver the service in different ways is a huge credit to them as professionals and a great strength of the service to be able to offer, choice in regard to how and where users access their support. I would expect that many users have similar fears to me in regard to being seen or being known by a receptionist or by someone in the waiting room therefore having the option to remove these barriers by utilising the service via phone or video is great.

The difference from the place I was in, in August to where I am now is considerable. I am optimistic that the strategies I have been given, the aids I have access to and the greater understanding I have developed of myself from the sessions will support me in moving forward positively. I am realistic that I will again experience highs and lows in regard to my anxiety levels and mood however I now feel more equipped to deal with these as result of the excellent service I have received from the Wellbeing Service and the highly knowledgeable, highly skilled adviser - Genevieve.

If I had one suggestion to make it would be to review the way in which the Wellbeing Service is promoted and the fact that self referrals are an option. I suspect few know of this and would, like me, think it's only accessible through GPs. Giving assurances that self - referrals and GP referrals receive equal priority, I believe, would also be beneficial. Given the positive experience I have had - I will of course play my part in signposting people to the service!

In a society where we are constantly being bombarded with negativity about the NHS my experience could not be more different - the support, advice and care I have received from my GPs, Genevieve and the service as a whole has been tremendous and something I am very grateful for.

Many thanks to all concerned and keep doing the brilliant job that you do.