Hearing about the experiences of others, and sharing tools and tips to support recovery, is one of the foundations of our culture. We can create connections by sharing about our lived experience – especially those that offer inspiration and hope.
Recovery in mental health is not always well understood; sharing your experiences makes personal recovery come alive. It also supports values and strengthens lessons learned from life experiences. It helps to build community and create connections.
You can find lots of inspirational stories; use the search bar at the top to find stories relevant to you. To return to this page after a search, please press the back button in your browser.
If you are a registered student and would like to share about your experience, please contact us.
You can read more student experiences on our testimonials page and student development programme page.
To make our website and newsletters more accessible from 2025 onwards, all blogs, tips and articles published in our e-newsletters will be published on this page.
You can also read PDF newsletters published before 2025.
We welcome students who are interested in writing blogs, sharing reflections, or contributing creative content to support others on their recovery journey.
Get started by visiting the following links:
If you have any questions or ideas, please contact us at newleaf.wellbeingcollege@nhs.net.
Samantha, commercial director in a major Construction Company, talks about her transition from male to female and how LGBT+ networking can drive change.
In this raw blog, you’ll read about the personal and professional transformation of Dawn, who shows that anyone can go from using mental health services to becoming the empowering force behind real change in the way Hertfordshire professionals support people with mental health challenges.
Cameron shares their experience of pulling away their mask and 'seeing their authentic self' for the first time. Euphoria is a poem about celebrating PRIDE month, self-acceptance, hope, overcoming self-stigma, and feeling proud of oneself.
A resource page with a list of organisations and contacts to help people with their mental health over Christmas.