11 May 2026

Shan is the manager of Harrow Rise, Hestia’s Mental Health Community Support Service in Harrow. The service supports adults across the borough who are living with mental health needs, helping them build confidence, independence, and stability in their daily lives.

For Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, we took the chance to chat with Shan about Harrow Rise. She told us about the pride she takes in leading the service, the impact it has on the community, and the mental health advice she follows in her own life.

 

What can someone expect when they walk through your doors at Harrow Rise?

“When someone walks through our doors at Harrow Rise Hestia, they can expect a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment where they are treated with dignity and respect. We understand that every individual’s experience is different, so our support is person-centred and tailored to each person’s needs.

We provide practical and emotional support to help people feel safe, regain stability, and begin rebuilding their lives. This can include support with housing, safety planning, accessing healthcare, floating support, and developing independent living skills. Just as importantly, we offer a listening ear and consistent encouragement, helping people to rebuild confidence and feel empowered to make their own choices.

We aim to create a space where people feel heard, supported, and able to move forward at their own pace.”

 

Who does your service support and how can people access support?

“We support residents in Harrow aged 18+ who are affected by mental health. We’re proud to provide long-term support to help people rebuild their lives one step at a time.

Our service is designed to meet a range of needs, so we support people with different backgrounds and circumstances, including those who may require additional help around mental health, wellbeing, or independent living skills.

People can access support in several ways. Most referrals come through partner agencies such as local authorities, domestic abuse services, or other support organisations. In some cases, residents can also reach out directly (self–refer) to Hestia or be signposted through helplines and community services. Once a referral is made, we assess the individual’s needs to ensure the service is appropriate and can provide the right level of support”.

 

What part of your role do you find most rewarding?

“The most rewarding part of my role is seeing the progress that residents make over time. Whether it’s someone beginning to feel safe, gaining confidence, or taking steps towards independence, the small but meaningful moments really stand out.

"The opportunity to play a part in someone’s journey towards stability and empowerment that makes the role so fulfilling”.

I also find it incredibly rewarding to build trusting relationships with the people we support. Being able to provide a consistent, non-judgmental presence and knowing that someone feels heard and supported can make a real difference.

Overall, it’s the opportunity to play a part in someone’s journey towards stability and empowerment that makes the role so fulfilling”.

Can you share a moment that reminded you why your work matters?

“One moment that really stayed with me was supporting someone who first came into the service feeling very anxious and unsure, having come from a difficult and unsafe situation. At the beginning, they struggled to trust others and engage with support.

Over time, through consistent support and reassurance, I saw a real shift. They began to open up, take part in planning their next steps, and slowly rebuild their confidence. A key moment was when they expressed that they finally felt safe and more in control of their life again.

That really reminded me why this work matters. Even small steps can have a huge impact, and being part of someone’s journey from crisis to stability is incredibly meaningful.

What changes do you see in people who use Harrow Rise?

“The changes I see in people who use the service often start with increased feelings of safety and stability. Many residents come in feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or lacking confidence, but over time you can see them begin to feel more settled and secure.

As support continues, there’s often a noticeable growth in confidence and independence. People start to make their own decisions, engage more with support services, and take practical steps towards their goals, whether that’s around housing, wellbeing, or rebuilding their daily routines.

I also see a shift in how people view themselves, from feeling uncertain or powerless to feeling more in control and hopeful about the future. Those changes, even when gradual, are really significant and show the impact of consistent, person-centred support”.

"What someone needs at one stage might look very different later on, and progress isn’t always linear."

What do you wish more people understood about mental health and mental health support?

“I think one of the biggest things I wish people understood about mental health is that it isn’t always something with a clear start and end point. There isn’t a set timeline or “finish line”. For many people, it’s an ongoing journey that can change over time.

Because of that, support needs to be flexible, patient, and person-centred. What someone needs at one stage might look very different later on, and progress isn’t always linear. There can be setbacks as well as improvements, and that’s a normal part of the process.

I also think it’s important for people to understand that mental health challenges aren’t always visible, and that having the right support - whether that’s emotional reassurance, practical help, or just being listened to - can make a huge difference.

Overall, more awareness and compassion can help reduce stigma and make it easier for people to reach out and access support when they need it, without feeling judged”.

 

What helps you look after your own mental health?

“Looking after my own mental health is really important, especially in this line of work. One of the main things that helps is listening to music. I find it a great way to relax, reset, and switch off after a busy or emotionally demanding day.

I also make time for my own hobbies, as they give me something positive to focus on outside of work and help maintain a healthy balance. Whether it’s something creative or just an activity I enjoy, it helps me recharge.

Alongside that, I try to keep clear boundaries between work and personal time and make sure I’m taking time to rest when I need it. All of these things help me stay grounded and able to support others effectively.”

  

What’s piece of advice would you give to someone struggling with their mental health right now?

“There is light at the end of tunnel! Never give up, help is available!”

 

What would you say to someone who feels unsure about reaching out?

“It’s important to recognise that asking for help is a sign of self-awareness, not weakness. Everyone needs support at times, and reaching out reflects strength and a willingness to take positive steps forward.”