EVE Cherryfield: 'My Story'....Billy

I came to Cherryfield in 2003 or thereabouts. I worked in the kitchen – porter and food preparation with the chef. Through Cherryfield I got onto the Pinel Course for computers in Sunshine Industrial Estate in Crumlin. I learned about how to use the computer from the basics of turning it on and off to making digital cards for a year. I came back to Cherryfield after that and then my Mam passed away in 2004 – that was a setback for me, so getting support here at that time was very important to me, from all the staff and my friends here.

Then I heard about Obair, and I got onto a CE Scheme – Cherryfield helped me get into that and I learned how to read and write, and did more computer skills. I got a story published in the Crumlin Writers book. It was about Smithfield Horse Market and what went on there, and a memoir of the coalman in Dublin and how they operated. The CE Scheme lasted for 7 years. My time was up, it is a limited programme. I felt very low after that, and I was only doing bits and pieces to try and keep myself occupied. There’s nothing for you if you haven’t got a purpose or a reason to get out of bed. From September 2013 up to May of this year 2014, I was at a loss.

Then I got a call from Cherryfield. I started attending again a month ago. I’m back on track again with support from staff and friends in Cherryfield. Slowly but surely I feel I’m getting back to myself. At least I’m not at home dwelling on things, self harm or anything like that. The day flies in, and my mind is active again. The fine weather helps as well as the bright evenings. I might totter off for a bus ramble in the evening to Howth or Bray or Dalkey, you wouldn’t know where I’d end up. That doesn’t happen in the winter evenings. You don’t really have much to do in the dark evenings.

Hearing about the Green Ribbon campaign, and what has changed over recent times, this has really got me into talking about mental health. I wouldn’t have written this story but for the campaign. I think it’s important that people know that it’s not all doom and gloom – that talking about these things can really help. Talk to a friend, talk to a GP, get help, and things can be better.