Rochelle starts self-help book club for support
AFORMER Edge Hill University teaching student has used mental health resources to end unhealthy habits and launch her own self-help book club to support others in need.
Rochelle Roffe, who graduated with a degree in Primary Education in 2011 and a Masters in Education and Music in 2019, fell on hard times in 2015 and found herself drinking excessively as a way to cope with her problems.
After years struggling with anxiety and being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Rochelle decided to get the help she needed to stop drinking and look after her mental well-being.
Marking the start of her recovery, Rochelle, from Rutland, became sober after reading a book called Kick The Drink by Jason Vale and has never looked back. Through using mental health resources to stop drinking, Rochelle also spotted an opportunity to create an online selfhelp book club for those in need. In between her work as adult learning tutor, Rochelle developed the Mindset Shelf Facebook page in May 2020 where she enjoys providing her 300-strong community members with a safe space to discuss self-development books and resources.
When asked about her venture, Rochelle said: “After my own difficult experiences in life, I knew I wanted to do something to empower others and promote good mental health.
“Mindset Shelf community members meet virtually every Sunday to discuss self-help books and share experiences and advice. Whilst the idea is still in its infancy, I am proud of what I have developed so far and it is hugely rewarding to see people building friendships and being a source of support to each other in times of need.”
Rochelle is now keen to scale up her idea and work with recovery colleges, counsellors and psychiatrists to embed Mindset Shelf into the support programmes they offer.
Rochelle said: “I know from my own experience that mental health support from professional bodies is hugely helpful, but once the session is over there is currently no extra-curricular support promoted to encourage you to stay on track. I would like to see Mindset Shelf used in conjunction with therapy to give service users access to a helpful online community and useful resources which will support them in their recovery.”
Edge Hill offers a wide range of
Education and Teaching courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Edge Hill is committed to supporting students and staff so they can live happier and healthier lives. The wellbeing team offers year-round support to all students and staff as part of its ‘five ways to well-being’ programme, which includes making connections, getting active, learning, taking notice and being kind to others. More information can be found on the Wellbeing webpages.