With the help of our residents, we are hoping to break down the misconceptions surrounding mental health, autism and learning disabilities. One of our residents from Glen Garth House, our supported living service in Barrow-in-Furness shares his mental health recovery journey and how the team have helped him. Here is Dominic’s story in his words:
“Since I moved to Glen Garth House 5/6 years ago, I am able to open up more about my feelings. Before this, I spent a lot of time in different hospitals, I didn’t feel safe, but since being at Glen Garth House I do feel safe.
I feel Glen Garth House is my home, it has a family feeling, I feel supported. I get on with everybody, and we often talk to each other about different things.
The staff are very supportive, they are always there day or night to talk, and I like (that) I have my own space when needed. I like that staff encourage me to do my laundry, cooking etc. They have supported me to do things I enjoy and go places I like. I have been to watch Liverpool play four times, and I have been to see Barrow play lots of times. Staff have supported me when I wanted to go to Manchester, Liverpool (and the) Trafford Centre (for) shopping.
Staff also supported me in doing a charity walk across the bay, which I really enjoyed. I also did the Coniston to Barrow walk (a) couple of years ago with a staff member. It was challenging and (I) didn’t finish it all, but was praised and received a trophy for my efforts, and I raised money for the charity MIND.
Since being (at) Glen Garth House, I have not self-harmed like I used to because before I used to self-harm all time and ended up in hospital.
I started volunteering at a farm after being encouraged by staff in 2019. I still do this. I look after animals, feed animals and clean their spaces. I did a Level 1 in animal care skills.
During COVID, the farm sent me my courses and staff supported me to complete these. The farm did Skype calls, all this enabled me to achieve the skills and I passed the Level 1 (in) Practical Farm Animal Care Skills. I go every Friday now and I help in the office answering the phone and doing paperwork.
I would like to do another charity event which staff are supporting me to look into.
I feel Glen Garth House is my saviour. I love it at Glen Garth House and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
In this video Dominic describes his journey to Glen Garth House, and how the team support him with his hobbies and interests:
Find out more about Northern Healthcare’s supported living services and how our teams help people on their mental health recovery journey.
Please note names have been changed to protect confidentiality.
