For many years, Bob* lived with the symptoms of schizophrenia in near-total isolation. Loneliness became part of his daily life, and the world felt smaller and smaller.
When COVID-19 lockdowns arrived, this deepened his isolation. “Everything went south,” Bob recalls. “I dropped out of everything.” Days blurred into nights, and his drinking became a way to cope. “Without Good Days, I’d still be sitting at home drinking till someone came and took me to hospital.”
But in late 2023, Bob found a turning point. He joined Ruah’s Good Days Service- a free, activity-based recreation program designed to improve mental health through movement, fun, and connection.
At first, Bob came looking for simple social contact. What he found was so much more: a welcoming community, a gentle routine, and activities that sparked joy. Sessions were thoughtfully timed and easy to reach by public transport, which meant Bob could join without pressure or stress.
One discovery surprised him most: a love of watercolour painting. “Something I never thought I’d do,” he said. Now, painting is part of his life, not only for himself, but as something he shares, encouraging others to explore their own creativity.
Ruah’s Good Days also gave Bob better ways to fill his time. He began to cut back on drinking and reconnected with services to support his recovery. Step by step, he started to rebuild his life.Today, Bob speaks simply but with quiet pride:
“Good Days has had a huge impact on me after being totally isolated for a long time.”
Bob’s story is a reminder that recovery doesn’t just happen in hospitals or clinics. It happens in connection – with people, with creativity, with purpose. Through Good Days, Bob has found hope, and a community that walks beside him as he builds a life beyond isolation.
*Name changed to protect privacy.