When I first heard about WRAP, I had been trying to put in place measures to deal with various things that were happening in my life – I was struggling to find a work/life balance and, as is often the way, work always seemed to win. The tools and framework that WRAP emphasised didn’t sound complicated or time consuming and I wanted to find out more. 

As a society, we are good at caring for others but almost feel too guilty to give ourselves the time and care we need. WRAP has emphasised that self-care isn’t selfish. We can’t help others if we don’t help ourselves. 

What I really love about the WRAP programme is that it really is for anyone, any time. You don’t have to be at crisis point or even feeling unwell to benefit from the idea of creating your own wellness tools and daily maintenance plan. I really do use my maintenance plan on a daily basis – it is always there at the back of my mind and so I am much quicker to notice these days if something is slipping and I need to take time to address it. 

Since completing the WRAP course, and taking the time to really think about what is important to me, my work/life balance is now just that: balanced. I reflect upon wellness tools throughout my day and make adjustments as and when I need them. 

The WRAP programme is simple. My WRAP is about me: it empowers me to be responsible for how I’m feeling and it gives me the tools I need to stay well. I became a WRAP Facilitator because I believe in the process – it gave a lot to me and I want to share that with the hope that it will benefit others. 

WRAP has been a huge a journey, and much like everyone else’s it is on-going. I was told beforehand that it’s not rocket science and I was pleased when I found out it really isn’t! And that actually I was already doing quite a lot of it.

My awareness of myself has been raised and I am able to reflect and recognise things that used to just pass me by. Whether that be a trigger, early warning sign or using a wellness tool etc WRAP has empowered me to put it all together around a framework, so my thinking and actions are more logical, and I am aware of the connection between the two. I ask myself ‘how will that impact on my well-being’ regularly now, especially when it comes to making work or social commitments. It helps me keep a balance.

The main difference from when I began my journey to now is that my own well-being comes into my thoughts everyday. I am doing more of what makes ME happy and I am doing it intentionally.

Like Ben I am now a Copeland Centre trained WRAP Facilitator and can guide others on their wellness journey.

WRAP has been the best discovery of my life and I am so pleased I have found it. WRAP has given me hope. It has opened up doors, broken down barriers and built my self-confidence.

I am able to put myself first and in turn it has had a fantastic impact on me and those around me.

I have weaved WRAP into my daily life without even realising it. WRAP is a guide, it is a journey, it is flexible, is specific to the individual, it is simple.

WRAP has given me a greater self-awareness, accountability and an openness to discover. WRAP has given me options and choices. I have the knowledge that if I am feeling down, that it’s ok.

I know what my triggers are and can spot my early warning signs if I start to struggle. I know what things make me feel good and this has been so beneficial for me. WRAP has stopped me questioning my feelings, especially guilt.

I am so passionate about WRAP and its wonderfulness that I am now a trained facilitator and part of the Discover Wellness team.

For many years my life was like an unlaced trainer, open, didn’t fit properly, sometimes slipped off the heel when trying to walk or run and I continually tripped over my own laces. I knew I should tie them to ensure that I had stability, and I knew how to do it, but things always came up or my own excuses stopped me from doing it.

WRAP helped me focus and tie that bow, giving me structure and a framework to follow. It reminded me, both professionally and personally, of recognising when to stop, when it was time to ask for help, when to do an activity for me and when to say no.

It helped me recognise behaviours that may mean something is wrong, but it also helped me further identify when something is right and how to replicate it, utilise it and maintain it as part of a daily routine.

For years, throughout my career and life, I’ve spent my time advising and guiding others on removing barriers that have had the potential to stop them fulfilling their own potential.

With WRAP, whilst not always perfect every day, I have an effective system in place that helps me to remove mine.