In 2022, Bryany was travelling home from university when she became stuck on the motorway for eight hours following a serious accident. The experience triggered severe panic and led to agoraphobia, leaving her housebound for nearly three years. During that time, she was unable to work, socialise, or take part in everyday life, missing important moments, including her 21st birthday and university graduation.
"I was existing rather than living," Bryany explains.
By 2025, Bryany knew something had to change. She joined a Health and Research Partnership project, which led her to Cumbria Youth Alliance's Forging Futures programme.
Taking the First Steps, One at a Time
When Bryany first got in touch, leaving the house was still very difficult. CYA's approach was simple: start in a way that feels safe and move at her pace.
Izzie, a Youth Project Worker, began with weekly online catch-ups. There was no pressure, just space to build trust and talk about what Bryany wanted to achieve. Together they updated her CV, explored online courses, and Izzie helped Bryany manage the stress of completing her master's dissertation.
Bryany was also working with a support worker on exposure therapy, and Izzie supported this during their sessions.
After a few months, they arranged their first in-person meeting: a short, ten-minute chat close to Bryany's home. From there, they built up slowly with short walks and brief café visits, gradually increasing the length of each trip.
Rebuilding Confidence Through Everyday Wins
Eating out was something Bryany had completely avoided. With Izzie's support, they worked through it step by step: a drink at a café, then weekly breakfasts at Greggs, and eventually a full meal at Toby Carvery.
They also tried new activities together. One of these was badminton, something Bryany never expected to enjoy. To her surprise, she loved it.
These moments, ordinary as they might seem, helped Bryany rebuild confidence and trust in herself.
Opening New Doors
With Izzie's support, Bryany completed a Mental Health First Aid course. From there, new doors started to open.
She began volunteering with the Cumberland Football Association and supporting CYA's Enrichment Fund. She applied for her first job, prepared for the interview, and is now planning to complete her Level 2 in Youth Work Practice.
Bryany has since started working for Cumbria CVS on their Step Forward project, a supported employment and volunteering service for people with severe mental health experiences. It's a role that draws directly on her own journey and the lived experience that shaped it.
Looking Forward, and Giving Back
Bryany is still working with CYA and continues to make progress. She and Izzie are planning new activities and places to visit.
Inspired by the support she received, Bryany is now exploring becoming a youth support worker herself, hoping to use her own experience to help others with their mental health. She also wants to return to watching football (something she missed during her time unwell), support Carlisle United again, and hopes one day to speak up for better mental health support in the sport.
Reflecting on her journey, Bryany describes her experience with Cumbria Youth Alliance in two words: "Life changing."