Peter never imagined that a visit to his parents would leave him fighting for his life. Covid, paralysis and a rare neurological disorder left him unable to walk and 500 miles from home. Isolated and depressed, it wasn’t until he met a Community Link Worker that he found support and purpose.  

In late 2023, Peter caught Covid, weakening his immune system. During a visit to attend a job interview months later, a sudden illness escalated that left him unconscious and fighting for his life. He was airlifted to Inverness for emergency care, though he has no memory of it. “Sadly, I was completely unaware of my first-ever helicopter ride, a fact which has irrationally bugged me ever since.” 

When Peter woke up from a coma, his immune system had turned against him. It had attacked his peripheral nervous system. “I woke from the coma completely paralysed. I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and given a course of IV Immunoglobulin, which mostly restored things, although I am still functionally paralysed in my legs and on a lot of painkillers.” 

GBS is a rare neurological disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves, causing weakness, numbness and paralysis. While recovery is possible, it can take months or even years. 

His diagnosis was later refined to Acute Motor and Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN), a severe and rare subtype of GBS. Unlike other forms, AMSAN causes extensive nerve damage, causing slower recovery. “Apparently, I’m one in two million!” 

After three months in hospital, Peter was discharged. But, instead of going home to London, he was sent to his parent’s home in Scotland. The separation was devastating and adjusting to daily life was more difficult than he imagined. 

“I began to notice that I was getting extremely frustrated over the most trivial things. I say trivial, but they certainly seemed to me to be anything but. Things like dropping something on the floor and not being able to pick it up. Or not being able to pop through to another room to take a phone call quickly.”

Despite spending months in the hospital, mental health support was never raised – something Peter, a nurse himself, found surprising. “Even now, I’m quite surprised that mental health was not brought up earlier. Being in Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU) is, in itself, usually a trigger for a referral.” 

His GP made two referrals, one to the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) and another to Rachel, a Community Link Worker at Change Mental Health. 

Community Link Worker Service: Finding support in community  

Peter was one of many people who needed more than just medical care. The Community Link Worker (CLW) service, commissioned by NHS Highland and delivered by Change Mental Health, provided the support he was missing. 

Based within GP surgeries across Highland, Community Link Workers help people manage the social challenges that impact their mental health. They provide up to eight sessions, focusing on practical solutions connecting people to community groups, support networks and services that improve wellbeing. 

While Peter waited for his appointment with Rachel, things took a downward turn. 

“My consultant reiterated that I’ll probably not be able to walk again for years, even with constant physio. Eventually when I do, it’s unlikely I’ll ever be back to how I was before all this happened. She talked about having to consider a career change… I’ll never do another 12-hour shift on a busy ward or clinic. It left me a bit shaken.” 

Soon after, his physio admonished him for trying to leave the house, concerned about his safety. “To be fair, I was extremely unsafe on the steps to get out,” he admits. “But at the time, getting out for the odd lunch, coffee or even just a trip in the car was part of what was keeping me sane.”

“I went into what can only be described as a deep depression. I wouldn’t so much as look at anyone, never mind speak to them. Eventually, I snapped at my mum and screamed down the phone at my husband. And I said I’d rather not be here than be stuck inside.  

The suicidal thoughts made his GP act immediately, arranging a call with a Community Psychiatric Nurse within hours. By the time she rang, Peter had calmed slightly, but it was clear he needed urgent support. His first appointment with Rachel was scheduled for the next day. 

finding the right support 

“That first time meeting with Rachel was great. She listened to me trying to put what I was feeling into words, without judgement… something sadly lacking in previous encounters with mental health services.” 

Rachel knew that finding the right resources was key to helping Peter reconnect with a sense of purpose. 

“It was about looking into what he was interested in,” Rachel explains. “Discussing his passions and showing him what was available. A Community Link Worker can narrow things down, but it’s important for the person to have a choice too.” 

Rachel introduced him to New Connections, a diverse community space and identified that he was interested in helping organise a Pride event.  

“At first, these groups gave a bit of hope for things to connect with when he was able to get out,” Rachel shares. “But the Pride committee enabled him to meet online, so he could start straightaway. 

“It is thanks to her that I am now helping with the organisation of Pride Lochaber, albeit remotely.” 

Rachel also helped Peter access library events and eBooks available for loan, knowing that he was a keen reader. Given his mobility challenges and rural location, Rachel ensured he had 24/7 support services available. “He had been struggling with his sleep, so it was important that he had access to phonelines that could support him at any time.”   

She also wanted to keep a sense of hope alive for Peter – something to work towards when he felt ready. “Highlighting access via the car scheme showed there was some independence available for Peter when his health improved enough to get out more.”