A woman who was sectioned following an abusive relationship at the age of 21 has used punk rock to give her a new lease of life.  

Sue Tebble, who founded the Norwich-based wellbeing project Mind The Gap, believes that music has the power to help people recover. 

Norwich Evening News: Sue had to face the stigma of mental health when she came out of hospital Sue had to face the stigma of mental health when she came out of hospital (Image: Mind The Gap)

The 55-year-old said: “When I got sectioned I was taken into Hellesdon Hospital, which was really scary.  

“They said it was manic depression, but I have since found out that it was rape trauma.” 

Sue was the victim of five years of physical, mental and sexual abuse before she found the courage to leave her relationship.  

Norwich Evening News: Sue hopes to keep having open conversations about mental health and using music as medicine Sue hopes to keep having open conversations about mental health and using music as medicine (Image: Mind The Gap)

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She continued: "After coming out of the abusive relationship, I embarked on a new relationship and because I felt love and happiness, all the emotions that I'd repressed from the previous relationship came flooding back.  

“I was in a state and that's what directly led to me being sectioned."

Norwich Evening News: Sue was sectioned at Hellesdon Hospital Sue was sectioned at Hellesdon Hospital (Image: Mind The Gap)

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But it was when she came out of hospital that Sue had to face the harsh stigma surrounding mental health, and those who had once been her friends were now wary.  

She added: “You don’t get flowers and chocolates when you come out of a mental hospital, you get funny looks.” 

Sue was able to turn her life around after joining punk rock band PMT. During her time in the band, the single mother-of-two took inspiration from strong female artists, including Poly Styrene and Suzi Quatro. 

Norwich Evening News: With the help of funds raised through The Health Lottery, Sue has gone on to transform the lives of those affected by mental health and loneliness, by offering music and social drop-in sessions With the help of funds raised through The Health Lottery, Sue has gone on to transform the lives of those affected by mental health and loneliness, by offering music and social drop-in sessions (Image: Mind The Gap)

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It was her love of music and helping others that prompted Sue to start Mind The Gap.  

The inclusive music group, which was founded in 2013, offers music and social drop-in sessions for people affected by mental health issues and loneliness. 

With the help of a £30,086 grant from The Health Lottery, Sue has been able to offer a safe space at the project, which includes a common room and five studios with drum kits, guitar amps, bass amps and a PA.