Richard's Story

Richard, a 24-year-old from Dalkeith, has faced several bereavements of close family members in the last few years. Coupled with childhood trauma, these experiences led to severe anxiety and depression, eventually resulting in struggles with self-medication through the use drugs and alcohol.

Building a strong support network with Rock Trust

In March, he was referred to our new Visiting Support project in partnership with Midlothian Council. From the start, he built a strong relationship with his project worker through regular meetings and conversations. Together, they have started working through some of the issues that have built up in the background during this tough period for Richard, supporting him to apply for adult disability payment and in setting up payment plans for outstanding utility bills.

Richard has since felt less overwhelmed about his situation:

“I can feel a weight being lifted of my shoulders every time I meet with my project worker.” Richard about Rock Trust Midlothian Visiting Support project

How exercise helped Richard cope and find new passions

Following his improved situation, Richard decided to give exercise a try as another coping mechanism. In the past few months, he joined a local group of wild water swimmers, where he discovered the therapeutical benefits of cold water, and gained a sense of community, so essential to everyone’s wellbeing. Running has also become a new passion for him. Last May, he took on the Edinburgh Marathon, and despite twisting his ankle in a pothole near the finish line, his strength and determination carried him through, allowing him to complete the race in under three hours – a remarkable display of his resilience and growth.