A website launched three years ago by a Plymouth woman which provides a wide range of information, advice, guidance and support on mental health issues is attracting a huge following – even from students at an American university.
Nicky Nurrish, who is 44, was diagnosed with Bipolar Type 2 when she was in her thirties and for many years she struggled with the condition, the system and simply living her life.
Nicky, who lives in Mutley, said:
“Let down and unsupported by the system I started doing my own research into Bipolar and mental health issues. I started talking to liked minded people and it was obvious more education on awareness, wellbeing and crisis support was needed but most of all people did not know where to go to find help!”
She decided to create a website – memorably called Marbles Lost and Found – built for those touched by mental health issues that incorporated everything people needed to know about mental health awareness, support and wellbeing, as well as breaking down the stigma of mental health in a safe, non-judgemental place.
Nicky, who is a support work for disabled adults at Dame Hannahs charity inn Ivybridge, said:
“Marbles has been live for three years now and has grown massively. It is used by Livewell South West, the police, local support groups and is also used as a training tool at Exeter University.”
And Nicky was delighted when a student at Michigan University came across the Marbles website, lived it and showed it to fellow students – and now has a significant following. She was then contacted by a couple of students who asked if she would be interested in doing a talk for some of the students.
“It was amazing have a Zoom discussion with people all the way across the pond and a great way to discover what people like about the site, which is its honesty, mass of information, crisis support and ease of navigation,” said Nicky. She is hoping to get some of the students on board to write blogs for the website.
“Marbles speaks to people universally as it is all about living your life with a mental health issue and knowing that you have support wherever you may be,” she added.
Nicky has also just started to run a Marbles support group at the Moments Café in the city centre every second Tuesday of the month, which she maintains is different to other support groups.
“This group is not only an opportunity to feel supported and listened to, but we are also planning to include talks from professionals, other groups, wellbeing sessions and group activities – all built on what the group wants to do alongside wellbeing tips and tools, coping mechanisms and support from those who ‘get it.’
“Marbles is all about living your life with a mental health condition, learning to accept that we are more than our mental illness! Using the internet and social media for awareness and support, not being afraid to speak up or reach out, knowing that you are not alone, and it is ok not to be ok,” said Nicky.
“I have created and run Marbles on my own, built through many bipolar mood swings! I work closely with those who struggle, interact with other organisations, listen to what people want which is also what makes Marbles unique as it grows with the help of others.
“People can ask me to add information to the website, write blogs or vlogs and offer free wellbeing advice. The website is packed with help from many other people who understand the individual journey involved and will just continue to grow and add helpful resources and support.
“We need to deal with mental health issues differently, it is time for change regarding how we support those who are struggling or caring for another, we need choices, to be heard, awareness but most of all remembering that we are warriors in this fight.”
There is also a Marbles page on Facebook which has rapidly attracted nearly 3,000 followers with lots of engagement from visitors to the page.
Meanwhile a special gig is being held at The Junction on Mutley Plain on February 12 to raise funds for the Marbles, with nine local bands performing.
For more information visit www.marbleslostandfound.co.uk
