"In December of 2018 I was diagnosed with acute depression and anxiety and was signed off from work for 6 weeks – this was the start of my journey. I had suffered with depression before, but not on this scale. The months that followed were a blur; I coasted through my work in a haze of different drug cocktails, none of which were helping. By the summer of 2019 I was signed off work again. This time I knew I had to make a change to break the cycle.

Art had always been part of my life until a few years previous, when life got in the way, and as soon as I saw the leaflet for Reachout, I realised this group may be able to help me. I called the number immediately.

I remember the first time I came to the studio very clearly. I think it was at that moment that something deep inside me woke. I could not believe my luck. This place was really something. Time went on, and eventually I was able to return to work.

I rediscovered the joy of being creative, and found that whenever I was at the studio, everything else melted away – no anxiety, no depression, just the joy of being creative.

As 2019 drew to a close I began to think about how I could keep this sense of peace and wellbeing I feel whenever I create, and I started to wonder if I would be able to work with art. In October I decided to apply for a place at Forth Valley College to start working towards an Art Degree.

With Lesley (Reachout Director) as one of my referees, and guide, I completed my application and portfolio and put my submission forward. In April I was thrilled to be offered a place, and look forward to starting at the end of August.

It took Reachout to help me remember what a joy being creative can be, and it is because of the group that I start this new chapter in my life. I am not sure where I would be now if I had not found Reachout, but I know it would be a very different place to where I am now. Between my college course and part time work, I am now looking forward to school holidays so that I can return to the group, and in the future to give back some of the support I have received."

Janne went on to join Reachout’s Board of Trustees as a Director, and has since completed her studies at Forth Valley College, graduating with The Smith Art Gallery’s first annual Stirling Smith Art Prize for her interactive sculpture, entitled ‘Forgotten’.