Alan* was supported by Linking Leeds, the citywide social prescribing service for people aged 16 and over. This story shares his journey.
Alan self-referred to Linking Leeds following an unexpected break down of his long-term relationship, which happened just before he took early retirement from work.
The lost relationship affected Alan’s sleep, he lost confidence and became more isolated and withdrawn as most of his socialising was work-based. He felt unable to maintain any previous social relationships and felt under severe emotional strain.
Alan had an initial assessment where he was given the time and space to discuss and analyse all the different areas of his life he was struggling with and how they were impacting upon each other.
With his Linking Leeds worker he created a goals based action plan focused on things he enjoyed. The first action created a routine for him to leave the house 3 to 4 times a week instead of staying home all the time.
He followed the plan and even though he felt anxious, he stuck at it and contacted three different groups to get involved with.
With continued support, Alan decided he would like to return to a new work role, and also attended a men's social event weekly. He could now see lots of positives for his future and he also felt more relaxed. Alan’s perspective changed, he had re-found some motivation to take him into the final part of his working life.
"At some point in the future I will be useful to a business, I will find a role where I have a purpose."
- Alan
*Names changed to protect identities
