Will

Will tells us how attending LinkAble has help his confidence. 

Will, 39, has been coming to LinkAble for over 10 years. He enjoys socialising, drawing, 1980s music, jazz and exploring new places, but anxiety can make it difficult for him to do the things he wants to do.

"I know I need to do things outside of my comfort zone, but I worry I’ll mess it up or be no good at it."

Will describes his anxiety as “like there is a shadow or pressure hanging over me”. It can stop him taking up opportunities or trying new experiences. Travelling independently is a particular challenge. He loves exploring new places and hopes to visit Thailand one day, but the thought of navigating airports and unfamiliar situations on his own can feel overwhelming.

Despite these worries, Will has achieved things he once thought were beyond him. Through LinkAble, he has tried canoeing, raft building and trips to theme parks. One of his proudest achievements was the recent LinkAble trip to France. "I wasn’t sure I was up to it, but I think it went rather well."

The trip showed him he is capable of more than he often gives himself credit for, and that stepping outside his comfort zone is easier with people who know and understand him.

Finding himself again

A few years ago, Will stepped back from LinkAble to care for his father, now 84, and moved back into the family home. During this time, he began to lose sight of his own needs and wellbeing.

"I had a sort of mid-life crisis at some point as I became a carer for my father. I can’t keep neglecting myself, so I came back to Linkable and it reminds me of what I can do and who I am."

Coming back to LinkAble gives Will time away from his caring responsibilities to focus on himself, connect with others and rebuild his confidence.

The power of connection

Will describes himself as someone who enjoys his own company and loves drawing, but LinkAble has helped him discover the value of friendship and community. He doesn’t have a large social network outside LinkAble, so the friendships Will has made here are very important to him.

"Getting to know people and socialising is my favourite part of Linkable. I used to prefer being on my own, but now I find that if I’m part of a group it makes me want to do more."

Looking to the future

For Will, LinkAble is much more than a place to attend activities. It’s a community where he feels accepted, understood and encouraged to be himself. The friendships and experiences he has found here have helped him regain his confidence, reconnect with his ambitions and see new possibilities for the future.

"Coming to LinkAble reminds me of what I can do, who I am, and that I can do more than I think."