Glenda Lawrence was first admitted to what was then called St. Brendan's when she was 15-years-old.

For the next ten years, she was in and out of hospitals as medical staff tried to find out what was wrong with her.

Finally, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a manic depressive illness causing shifts in a person's mood, and has benefited from a recovery-style programme, which was yesterday introduced to the Island.

Speaking at the launch of the new mental health strategy for the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute (MWI) yesterday, Mrs. Lawrence told her story.

Mrs. Lawrence worked at the then St. Brendan's as she wasn't mentally strong enough to work outside the institution.

She said: "My family didn't understand my illness. They provided me with a lot of support. There was a period of a year-and-a-half when I worked here [MWI].

"One day, they told me I didn't need sheltered employment. On June 19 I will have been working the same job for the past 14 years at Rosedon."

Mrs. Lawrence continued: "My family now owns our own home. I am confident I can make a difference in the community. I am happy someone saw the strength within me.

"I am living proof that recovery works for people who are dealing with mental health issues.

"By talking about my experience, I hope that I can give hope to other sufferers. I would ask the community to support this new direction. Help give us hope."