I’m from Hartlepool and I think Poolies Matter is a good idea. I’m not really into football but I know how many people in the town are so I think this might help.

Lots of people are nervous about asking for mental health support and I can straight off say they shouldn’t be.
Feel supported
I started getting support from the team at the One Life Centre about two years ago, after a spell in hospital, and they’ve been brilliant from day one.
I’ve been going every couple of weeks and every time I go it’s, “Hiya Carole, how are you?”. I feel like I’m made really welcome and everybody wants me to be happy in life and to feel supported.
When I say everybody, I mean all of the team there – from the receptionists to every one of the nurses, not just the people who work with me. Any time I need to talk they’re there for me.
On top of the world
I’m feeling loads better now. My medication is being reduced, and I only have an appointment every three weeks now.
If I had to sum it up, I’d say I’m feeling ‘on top the world’. A lot of that improvement is down to the team at the One Life Centre. After working with them,
I’d tell anybody who is struggling with their mental health to get help. The team there are all lovely.
Find out how we're helping Poolies get support with their mental health