My name is Veronica Svaasand. I am a director, a volunteer with Positive Start, and a second-year student therapist in training. I also provide support & assistance during the Reconnect & Regulate workshops.

I am about to embark on a practice placement within Positive Start, with the goal of pursuing a master’s degree in this field.

Over 20 years ago, I had a dream of becoming a counsellor while working at Lifeline, a pregnancy counselling support service. However, I chose to pursue nursing instead, where I remained until 2021, when I was medically retired due to Covid and long Covid, along with other health conditions. Having experienced the loss of my career due to physical illness, I deeply understand the difficulties life can throw at us. Additionally, living with conditions such as Endometriosis and Hemiplegic Migraine has given me first-hand knowledge of how debilitating health issues can impact daily life, work, relationships, and mental well-being. I recognize how these and other disabilities can profoundly affect an individual’s mental health and overall quality of life.

Through my own health recovery, I found new beginnings and a fresh perspective on life. I believe that when one door closes, another can open, especially with the right support, like the encouragement I received from Positive Start. Now, I am passionate about helping others navigate recovery, whether it involves career difficulties, physical or mental health challenges, or neurodiversity. I view these experiences as strengths, offering unique perspectives that empower us to embrace our lives fully and move forward positively.

As a community nurse, qualifying with a BN in Learning Disability Nursing I worked in a multidisciplinary, integrated service, I gained extensive clinical experience across inpatient care, PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities), and community mental health, including forensic settings and challenging behaviour day services. My role involved identifying and providing bespoke care management, treatment, and psychological interventions based on evidence-based pathways. I supported independent living by offering counselling, nurse-led clinics, and guidance on managing complex health needs, including crisis intervention, health assessments, Autism, and Epilepsy management.