One of the ways in which mental illness has such a negative impact on people’s lives is by driving them to withdraw from social contact,out of employment and in a downward spiral of self recrimination and loneliness. A potent way to redress the damage is through work placements. These can help rebuild self esteem, reintroduce social activities and by showing an ability to sustain and perform at work allow return to an open workplace. On such scheme is Recycle-a-Bike, designed to help people overcome their mental illness.
A film “From Ashes” tells the story of Pete, who was diagnosed with mixed anxiety-depressive disorder, and how he is now at peace with himself. Pete is working now, in a Recycle-a-Bike bicycle repair workshop.