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Ive met some true friends

Posted By funnymt67

"Ive met some true friends"

About: CGL Birmingham Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham

(as a service user),

I was referred to cgl via one of the alcohol and drug workers at QE hospital after numerous admissions for withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, I was at my lowest, I was lucky  and didn't have to wait long and was soon accepted onto the 12 week day programme. I truly believe that cgl saved my life. They gave me the tools to my recovery and encouraged me. Every member of staff, peer mentors and volunteers helped me on my journey.

My key worker was James. His first phone call to me was very emotional, I was unsure if I could do it. His words to me were 'I will walk every step beside you throughout your recovery'. I knew then that this was a person that really cared. H e went above and beyond, regularly contacting me and ensuring I was safe. He is one of lifes truly genuine people. I know,even now, that I can always reach out to him.

I have met some true friends amongst my peers on groups and know we will all stay in touch and support each other. I still do some groups with cgl and other groups that they have pointed me towards. I especially enjoy Lydia's group as her team continue to ensure the service is at its best and takes on board our ideas as service users. The walking groups have been invaluable in being able to meet up, especially during the pandemic.

I am passionate about cgl and would urge anyone who may read this and is struggling, please please reach out to them for help, you won't regret it. 

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Responses

Response from Lydia Broom, Service User Involvement Lead at Change Grow Live Birmingham, The Service User Involvement Team, Change Grow Live Birmingham 2 years ago
Lydia Broom
Service User Involvement Lead at Change Grow Live Birmingham, The Service User Involvement Team,
Change Grow Live Birmingham

Submitted on 12/05/2021 at 23:23
Published on Care Opinion at 23:23

picture of Lydia Broom

Dear funnymt67

Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about your experience of accessing our support.

It's Lydia here, from the group you kindly mentioned in your story. As you'll know already, I'm part of the team at Change Grow Live Birmingham who listen and respond to people's feedback and I feel honoured to have the opportunity to reply to you today.

To start, I'd like to thank you personally for your feedback about the group we run on Thursdays. The views and ideas that you and your peers contribute are truly invaluable and together, you have achieved some real positives for the people who need our support - the introduction of our walking group being a prime example. So thank you, not just for your kind words but for helping to make this group a success.

Your feedback about James and his approach to the way in which he has supported you was amazing to read. It was great to hear about how caring he has been and how you feel he has gone above and beyond, to support you in your recovery. One of our Senior Managers has already shared your feedback amongst our Senior Management Team and as a result, James, his colleagues in the Programme Team and our Hospital Team have all been commended for the support they have provided to you - especially James.

Lastly, I feel it's extremely important to acknowledge all that you have achieved in your recovery. I can only begin to imagine, how challenging it must have been to break the cycle of being admitted to hospital and to pull yourself out of your lowest point. It's amazing to hear that you've done just that, and I hope you feel incredibly proud of all the hard work you've put in and determination you've shown in your recovery.

Thank you again for sharing your story and I wish you all the very best for your future.

Lydia

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Response from Nicky Beecher, Patient Experience Manager, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust 2 years ago
Nicky Beecher
Patient Experience Manager,
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

Submitted on 13/05/2021 at 08:54
Published on Care Opinion at 08:54

Thank you for sharing your feedback about support received via the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. It is wonderful to hear that Lydia, James and others from CGL Birmingham have been able to make such a positive difference in your recovery. If you would like to share anything further about your hospital experience please visit the hospital webpage www.uhb.nhs.uk/yourviews

Best wishes for your continued recovery and wellbeing

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