Hannah, a 34-year-old volunteer at Mayfield Garden Centre, has faced immense challenges due to long Covid, which has significantly impacted her mobility and overall health. Despite these difficulties, she has found a sense of purpose and connection through volunteering.

Overcoming health challenges

Before contracting Covid in March 2020, Hannah enjoyed an active lifestyle, but long Covid has significantly impacted her life.

“Before I was poorly, I worked as a special educational needs teacher and then in a children’s residential home and was regularly going to the gym. I now suffer with mobility issues, Laryngeal Dysfunction and Dysautonomia as a result of my long Covid.

“These conditions cause severe fatigue, dizziness, confusion, breathing difficulties and pain, which means just getting through the day can be extremely difficult.”

Because of these health challenges, Hannah had to stop working. She was also unable to get out of the house to socialise and started to find everyday tasks a challenge. This had a huge impact on her mental health.

“Along with having to stop work, which was heartbreaking, I suddenly found myself unable to do the things that I used to do without thinking. Things like standing to have a shower, washing my hair, or cooking a meal, became unachievable for me.

“This has all been hugely difficult to accept, and I my mental health has been severely affected.”

Over time however, Hannah has learnt to adapt to a new ‘normal’. Her and her husband have recently moved to a more accessible home, and Hannah now knows she must listen to her body, taking on only the things she can cope with.

Finding purpose through volunteering

“Having to give up work was especially difficult for me, I didn’t feel like I had a purpose, and I wasn’t seeing anyone outside my family, which was soul destroying. I knew I had to do something and that’s when I began to consider volunteering.”

Adverts for volunteer roles at Mayfield Garden Centre caught Hannah’s attention, and after careful consideration, she decided to get involved. She now volunteers most Tuesdays, providing support to young people in the charity’s video gaming group. Her health conditions mean that her availability can change daily, but Mayfield are happy for Hannah to let them know on the day if she feels well enough to go in.

“Knowing that I can just let Mayfield know if I’m able to volunteer on the day, is brilliant for me, and means I don’t have to worry about letting people down.”

The impact of volunteering

Volunteering has had a huge impact on Hannah’s mental wellbeing. She’s found a renewed sense of purpose in supporting others.

“I love coming to Mayfield. It gets me out of the house every week and I feel connected again. I also enjoy being able to help others who are going through their own mental health challenges.

“We have such a great bunch of people coming along to the video gaming sessions, some who may otherwise feel uncomfortable in a group setting. It’s a level playing field, everyone who attends likes gaming, and no one feels different.”

Looking ahead

Despite her ongoing health struggles, Hannah remains optimistic about the future. Volunteering has opened up new possibilities, and she is keen on becoming involved in additional activities as her health allows.

“I hope that as time goes on, I’ll feel able to take on more to support Solent Mind. It’s an incredible charity and I feel honoured to be a part of it.”

For information and advice on long Covid, visit: Long-term effects of COVID-19 (long COVID) - NHS

And for support with your mental health, Solent Mind is here for you: Support for you | Trusted mental health services in Hampshire