Celebrating a hero in our local community: Catherine Wakeling, Starfish Health & Wellbeing

News - 31 May 2024

We are delighted to have had the opportunity to work with Catherine from Starfish Health & Wellbeing and gather the voices of those accessing the service to ensure the voice of service users are embedded within the transformation of mental health services.

We received lots of feedback about the drop-in service ‘A Place to Be’ and the passion shown by Catherine to make a positive change for the residents of Stockton-on-Tees.

While attending a ‘lived experience group’ information was gathered that highlighted the need for an out of hours drop-in service.

Catherine acted on this feedback and established a 5pm-8pm drop-in service that is well attended, demonstrating local need.

"It’s been very helpful, lots of support and able to get out of the house and feel safe with the people I am with, absolutely great support." Place to Be attendee

"Catherine is marvellous." Place to Be attendee

"Love it when Catherine is here, she is so kind and helpful." Peer Mentor

"Catherine is helping, me so much I don't know what I would have done without her
support." Place to Be attendee

"Catherine is just amazing." Peer Mentor

We are very glad to welcome Catherine as a Healthwatch Champion who will continue to share with us the voice of service users, championing what matters to them.

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