But nothing could have prepared me for the unprecedented challenges we faced during the Covid-19 pandemic. During my time with the NHS, I witnessed firsthand the immense toll the pandemic took on both physical and mental health. At times, I felt emotionally drained, and my usual coping mechanisms were pushed to their limits. I feared that the impact of Covid-19 would leave lasting emotional scars on many, especially with the lack of time and resources to develop healthy coping strategies. The added pressure of lockdowns only intensified this crisis, as social isolation became an even greater threat to our well-being. That’s why I teamed up with Sarah, Stuart, Russ, and Rachel to create The Bench UK. Our mission is simple: to challenge loneliness, foster open and healthy conversations, and support people across the UK in taking small but meaningful steps toward recovery. Through our work, we aim to provide a safe space where people can connect, share their experiences, and access the support they need. Recovery doesn’t have to be a solo journey—it begins with talking, listening, and taking those first steps together. Best wishes,