‘Finding hope again’: Recovery College peer trainer shares her mental health journey
A member of staff at the Northern Trust’s Recovery College has described how her own mental health journey inspired her to help others.
Margarette O’Donnell works as a peer trainer with the college, and she credits it with bringing hope back into her life when she needed it the most.
For a lot of people, asking for help can feel like the hardest step. For Margarette, the fear of what people would think once stood in her way of getting the support she needed – until it all became too much.
After a period of struggle, Margarette was admitted to the Ross Thompson Unit at Causeway Hospital, and is now sharing her story to raise awareness during Mental Health Awareness Week.
“I was losing the battle day by day. All I wanted was for everything to be okay and not to have to pretend, until I couldn’t do it anymore”, she said.
A turning point
During those first weeks of admission, Margarette explained how hopeless she felt:
“I felt no better than the day I was admitted – having no hope, or want for my life to go on”, she recalled.
Until one day something changed for Margarette. While in hospital, she was invited to attend an introduction session to WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan), delivered by The Recovery College.
“At the time, I didn’t think it would make a difference,” she admitted. “I was just going through the motions – doing what was expected, putting on a brave face, but feeling no better.”
During the session, participants were tasked with writing down five things that mattered to them, then one was taken away.
“When I looked and saw what was left and what was missing, I quickly realised that I did have hope”, she explained.
“This was the moment I realised I wanted things to change, I did have hope and my hopes were worth fighting for.”
Why it matters
Margarette’s experience highlights not only the importance of seeking support but the power of a recovery-focused approach.
The Recovery Colleges provide a safe, educational space where people can build skills, confidence, and understanding to manage their mental health.
“This is when everything started to change for me,” she said. “The Recovery College brought hope back into my life.”
Moving forward
Margarette continued to take part in a range of college courses before deciding she wanted to become a Peer Trainer and help others.
She began volunteering and when an opportunity arose, she successfully applied for a Peer Trainer role.
“Seven years on and I am loving every moment of it.
“Words cannot express how grateful I am to the Recovery College and mental health professionals who have supported me on my journey”, she said.
Life beyond recovery
This lived experience is paramount to The Recovery College’s vision and today, Margarette feels neither stigma nor shame in opening up about her journey.
She now says with pride:
“My name is Margarette. I am a Peer Trainer at the Recovery College, and I have lived experience of mental health challenges.”
Find out more
The Northern Trust Recovery College continues to offer a wide range of courses designed to support wellbeing, resilience, and recovery for students across the Northen Trust area.
“The College invites us all to learn how to support ourselves and others through challenges,” Margarette said. “Every experience is unique but together, we learn the tools we need.”
You can learn more about the wide variety of courses on offer on The Recovery College website or contact them directly:
Email: recovery.college@northerntrust.hscni.net
Telephone: 028 9441 3449
11th May 2026
