I would try to complete some qualification. I also have had depression and I have found that people don't want people who don't have a qualification or are taking a break from Uni even if you have done well at Uni or treat you differently if doing a reduced courseload. I also want to help people in a particular field re academic interest but there isn't a way to make connections who are similar to me plus interested in the particular field.

Maybe you could try to organise some sort of group first.