Clive Crossingham

In 2003/4 I was working as a manager in a social care company providing supported living services for people with learning disabilities in Liverpool when, following a traumatic stress breakdown, I was diagnosed with anxiety/depression.

Following a long period of largely unpaid sick leave, I returned to work but unfortunately my employers were not very sympathetic. I did not receive the support and adjustments that I needed and I had to give up my job.

It has taken me a long time to adjust to my condition/disability and my problems have been compounded by long-term unemployment. In an attempt to try and rebuild my self-confidence and esteem in 2006 I joined WDP as a volunteer working on the Wizard accessible canal boat. I enjoyed being out in the country-side, doing something enjoyable and worthwhile and again feeling part of a supportive team.

With the help of WDP's Employment Team I began looking for work but, despite being a dually qualified social worker and human resources professional, I was struggling to find a suitable job when WDP offered me the new post of Volunteer Support Worker with responsibility for crewing and organising the Wizard. The job is part-time and flexible and I really enjoy it. I feel valued again.

I will always be very grateful to the WDP team for the help and support that they have given me. Hopefully, in the future I would like to be able help other people like me.