Our guests for this episode are Harley Plane, Peer Support and Wellbeing Practitioner at Solent Mind’s Portsmouth Wellbeing Centre, and Aster Dawe, Recruitment and Volunteer Coordinator for NHS Talking Therapies Hampshire.

From peer support groups and inclusive recruitment practices to the importance of lived experience, this episode is a celebration of what happens when people come together to support one another.

Making mental health services accessible

Harley and Aster emphasise how accessibility is at the heart of both services. Harley talks about how our Portsmouth Wellbeing Centre is designed to welcome people from all walks of life, including those with physical disabilities, language barriers, or social anxieties.

“We have wheelchair access, accessible toilets, and we use translation services like Language Line. People can register online, over the phone, or in person—whatever works best for them.”

> Support services in Portsmouth

Aster shares how NHS Talking Therapies Hampshire is expanding its in-person services to better support people who may struggle with digital or telephone-based care.

“We’ve got a growing list of locations offering in-person support. For people who are hard of hearing or have sensory needs, being face-to-face can make all the difference.”

Tailoring support to individual needs

Harley and Aster also discuss the importance of person-centred support. In Portsmouth, this includes a softly lit sensory room where people can decompress in private.

“It’s a soft pink room with fairy lights,” said Harley. “If someone’s overwhelmed, they can take a moment there. We also have fidget toys, earplugs, and low-stimuli areas to support neurodivergent service users.”

At NHS Talking Therapies, the first step when you’re receiving one-to-one therapy is an assessment to understand each person’s needs and goals. From there, support is tailored to help them move forward.

“We work with people to set goals and remove obstacles. It’s about empowering them to take control of their recovery.”

> Support from NHS Talking Therapies Hampshire

Peer Support groups: a space to be heard and understood

Harley paints a vivid picture of our peer support groups in Portsmouth. These currently include creative writing, art therapy, neurodiversity support, and general drop-ins. Each group is designed to foster connection, reduce isolation, and empower individuals to take steps in their recovery.

“We have a neurodiversity group that’s been really popular. People come along and realise they’re not alone. That sense of shared experience is so powerful.”

The groups are open to anyone who completes a simple self-referral, which can be done online, over the phone, or in person.

“We have regulars who come every week. They’ve formed friendships, they support each other, and they even meet up outside of the group. It’s a real community.”

‘I’ve never felt so supported and welcomed in a workplace’

Both Harley and Aster speak fondly about their experiences as non-binary staff members and how Solent Mind’s inclusive culture has made a difference in their lives.

“As soon as I shared my pronouns, everyone respected them. I’ve always felt comfortable being myself here,” said Harley.

“I applied to Solent Mind because I knew it was a supportive workplace. That’s a huge factor for me,” added Aster.

They also highlight how Solent Mind values lived experience just as much as professional qualifications.

“We want people from all walks of life”, said Aster. “Your experience matters. It’s what makes our support real and relatable.”

Building confidence through volunteering

Volunteering is a key part of both services. Harley shares how their own volunteer experience helped them build confidence and develop the skills needed for their current role:

“I volunteered with a charity that made cycling accessible for people with disabilities. That experience gave me the confidence to apply for this job.”

Aster encourages anyone interested in volunteering to get involved, especially those who may be between jobs or looking to return to work:

“Volunteering is a two-way street. It helps people build confidence, routine, and skills - and it’s a great way to give back.”

> Volunteer with Solent Mind

Supporting our staff

Aster has been working closely with our People and Culture team to make recruitment more inclusive. This includes ensuring the online application process is mobile-friendly, aligning interview questions with the our Solent Mind values, and proactively reaching out to underrepresented communities.

“We’re going to community events, talking to people, and breaking down the idea that you need formal qualifications,” they said. “Lived experience is incredibly valuable.”

And Harley emphasised that the support doesn’t stop once you’re hired:

“As someone who’s neurodivergent, if I need to take a walk or use a fidget toy to focus in meetings, that’s totally fine here. I’ve never worked somewhere that’s so understanding.”

‘Be the support you wish you had’

Perhaps the most powerful message from this episode is the idea of giving back. Both Harley and Aster are using their lived experiences to support others - and in doing so, they’re helping to build more compassionate, inclusive mental health services.

As Harley said: “I try to be the support I wish I had when I was unwell.”

Listen to the full episode

The full episode of Cause For Conversation is available to stream now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube:

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