Caitlin’s Story – Woebot
Caitlin turned to Racing Welfare for emotional support after starting her first full-time job in racing. She has been working at Micky Hammond’s Oakwood Stables in Middleham since early 2021, helping on the yard and riding out.
Not only was this Caitlin’s first full-time job, but also her first time living away from her family. She said: “I was only 16 at the time, and I was missing home and finding it hard to socialise. The assistant trainer put me in contact with Racing Welfare so I went to the Middleham office for a few chats with Gail (Welfare Officer).”
Caitlin was referred to Woebot – Racing Welfare’s easy-to-use app that enables users to access in-the-moment emotional support 24/7. Woebot checks in with you daily, and can help to track mood, identify patterns and give insight into particular issues or concerns. It helps to give users the tools to manage thoughts and feelings during periods of stress or anxiety.
Caitlin found Woebot helped her in a number of ways:
It really helped me with being away from home. I wasn’t sleeping, which meant I was tired and stressed out going to work and everything was difficult. Using Woebot meant that I got everything off my mind before I went to bed, so I could go to sleep without thinking about everything.
“I’ve been using it for about six months now and still use it every day – plus I know Gail is only up the road if I need someone to talk to. I’m not as homesick as I was, and I’ve got a few friendship groups now so I don’t feel like I’m stuck.
If anyone feels like they need support, I’d definitely recommend speaking to Racing Welfare. Just go in. It has cheered me up, made me relax, and enjoying my job even more because I’m enjoying my life outside of racing too.”
To find out more about mental health and emotional support, including Woebot, call Racing’s Support Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 0800 6300 443.
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Racing Welfare’s 24 hour support line enables people to access support and
guidance through digital and telephone options.