A 22-year-old Ipswich woman who claims she lost her job after having time off due to depression and anxiety is starting a new project, supporting other young people struggling with poor mental health.
Roseanne Ganley, of Wherstead Road, has received funding to kick-start an initiative called Think Travel, which will see her working with people aged 14 to 25 and engaging them in artistic projects outdoors in areas of natural beauty in order to improve their emotional and psychological wellbeing.
The former Holywells High School pupil was inspired to launch this venture after going through her own experience of mental illness, which led to a suicide attempt.
In November 2016, Roseanne said she was taken on at the University of Suffolk’s Students’ Union as a digital coordinator, having completed a degree in English at the university earlier that year.
After spending a month on sick leave due to depression and anxiety in March this year, Roseanne claims she was let go from the organisation.
“I was dismissed from work, which was quite difficult for me to handle and I went down hill,” she said. “I attempted to take my own life and from that point if anything it’s helped me to realise reaching out for help is the most important step. Doing this project is really helping me to understand who I am and how to deal with things on a daily basis.”
Roseanne set-up Think Travel in May and has been awarded a place on the School for Social Entrepreneurs programme, as well as a £3,000 grant to get it up and running.
Her long-term ambition is to buy a vehicle to carry equipment and transport clients, work with schools and expand the reach across East Anglia and beyond.
Sarah Tattersall, chief executive of the University of Suffolk’s Students’ Union, said: “Whilst we cannot comment on individual cases, the University of Suffolk Students’ Union is a small and supportive work environment.”
Chantalle Hawley, head of student services at the university, said it had nearly doubled its investment in mental health services.
She added: “The university is committed to supporting staff and students who may be experiencing a mental health difficulty as well as promoting wellbeing and mental health more generally.”
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