Lyba’s Story: Small talk and colouring
01/08/2025
On paper, it seemed simple: I wanted experience with a mental health charity, so when I saw an opening at Manchester Mind, I eagerly applied.
The first couple of sessions felt daunting in my head but when I got there, I remember how welcoming the coordinators and staff were. The group members themselves were kind and supportive. They all asked me about myself, explained the structure of the sessions, and, most importantly, welcomed me with warmth. I didn’t feel like a stranger. I felt like part of the group. That’s when I realised the members were helping me just as much as I hoped to help them.
One of the things I’ve enjoyed most is slowly seeing a member open up to me. The gradual acceptance and transition from small talk to meaningful conversation is uniquely memorable. Not only do I feel valued and appreciated, but there’s also a strong sense of community. Whether a new person arrives or I see a familiar face, the room always feels warm and inviting. That’s thanks to the volunteers, staff, and group members alike. I feel supported and appreciated by all of them.
One member would only talk about TV shows with me. I enjoyed our conversations, but I sometimes felt frustrated with myself after a session—like I wasn’t being supportive enough, or like I should’ve asked better questions. But I kept sitting beside them and colouring week after week. Then one day, they opened up—just like that. I tried to hide my surprise, but it felt like a moment of trust. It reminded me that even just sitting down and colouring with someone is still important and impactful. Each session doesn’t need to involve a hard-hitting conversation.
The sessions ground me. When I enter the room, my own worries fade. For those few hours, I get to colour or do crafts and simply listen. The demographic is so diverse — and that’s the beauty of Manchester Mind. It isn’t for one type of person; anyone who is struggling can find support in their own way. I’ve seen people sit in silence and colour, do word searches, or play chess with volunteers. Sometimes we eat lunch together and talk about TV shows or movies, and sometimes we talk about more personal things — but each conversation is meaningful in its own way.
One of my initial reasons for applying was, honestly, to boost my CV. I’d enjoyed volunteering before and thought it would be another valuable experience. But I’ve stayed because of the style of support the role involves. It’s not about sitting with strangers and waiting for them to open up — it’s about building rapport naturally. We sit, we colour, and we talk. It starts with small things, and then gradually unfolds. I’ve stayed because of how I feel during the sessions, and how I feel after.