From Patient to Professional: A Middleton Nurse's Inspiring Mental Health Journey
A mental health nurse from Middleton has revealed how her personal battle with mental illness, combined with volunteering for the NHS, sparked a career dedicated to supporting others. Nicola Devereux, who works with the Heywood and Middleton community mental health team under Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, hopes her story will motivate individuals in recovery to explore volunteering or healthcare careers.
Finding Purpose Through Volunteering
Nicola, a Royal Air Force veteran and mother of five, first considered volunteering after a prolonged recovery period from mental health challenges. With encouragement from her community mental health nurse, she took what she describes as a crucial first step back into meaningful activity.
"During that time, I lost much of my confidence, but with the support of my community mental health nurse - who believed in me and encouraged me to spread my wings and rebuild my sense of purpose - I felt able to take this step to volunteer," Nicola explains.
She became a patient experience volunteer with community child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) at Fairfield Hospital in Bury. This role helped her regain confidence and prepare for a return to the workforce.
Building Confidence in a Supportive Environment
"I chose to volunteer with Pennine Care because it has a strong reputation for being an inclusive and supportive organisation," Nicola said. "I felt confident that I could put myself forward without fear of stigma or judgment, and that my experiences would be valued and respected."
Reflecting on her initial volunteering days, she added: "When I first started volunteering, I was feeling quite lonely and unsure of myself. Volunteering helped me rebuild my confidence, create positive routines, and connect with others. It gave me a sense of purpose and helped me prepare for returning to work at my own pace."
Pursuing a Nursing Career
Inspired by these experiences, Nicola decided to pursue a career in nursing. "Volunteering gave me the confidence to take the next step and enrol on an access to nursing and midwifery course at college - something I might not have felt ready for without the support and encouragement I gained," she noted.
Now a qualified mental health nurse for two years, Nicola has recently been promoted. "I’m part of an amazing, inclusive team. Working alongside such supportive colleagues continues to motivate me and reminds me how far I’ve come since my recovery," she said. "I’m proud to use my own experiences to support others and to contribute to a caring, compassionate environment."
Future Goals and Encouraging Others
Looking ahead, Nicola aims to further develop her skills within mental health services. "My goal is to become a non-medical prescriber so I can provide more comprehensive care. It feels like a natural progression - growing professionally while continuing to make a positive difference," she shared.
Nicola hopes her story will inspire others who may feel uncertain about their future. "If you’re reading this and feeling self-stigmatised, hopeless, or judged, please know there is hope," she adds. "Volunteering can open doors, help you feel accepted, and remind you of your value. Different doesn’t mean less, it means unique, and your experiences can become your strength. My pain wasn’t wasted; it became the foundation of my resilience and compassion, and it can help guide you toward your own journey of growth and recovery."
