"Recovery"

I self admitted myself to a psychiatric hospital in Germany, where I stayed for two weeks. I was diagnosed at the time with paranoid schizophrenia. I continued to receive some support through attending informally, a day clinic for two months. I was employed at a furniture manufacturer until my ill health resulted in me having to leave this employment and separating from my previous partner, I moved back to England in order to have family support around me. I was referred by my GP to the EIPT Bassetlaw and this is where my recovery/discovery journey began.

My experience of recovery in England has been reassuring so far. I have been involved with Framework, this is where I was given the opportunity to volunteer with the Forestry Commission. Framework had also guided me towards the British Legion for further help in setting up my new home. I now volunteer for an organisation working with ex- forces personnel. I still continue to attend social meetings, engaging, listening and helping out where needed. The Early Intervention in Psychosis Team (Bassetlaw), gives me further support. Through them I have also been assigned a peer support worker at an early stage, who has helped me a lot in my recovery. We have spoken in - depth about the role of peer support and how to utilise my own skills to provide other service users with the hope, control and belief in recovery. We attended the Rosewood involvement centre more recently, since then I have attended regularly alone. They have helped me gain confidence and have given me a feeling of self worth and purpose.

So thanks are due to Rosewood for helping me on my way (Staff and Volunteers/carers). Nottingham Recovery College for helping me get on the right courses and making me feel very welcome. Newark Patriotic Fund for the financial support to cover the journey to the Recovery College for Peer Support training. Framework, for helping make sure I could work my finances, and for letting me be involved in trips or practical sessions. Credit is also due, to the Forestry Commission. I think that they have helped the most in my recovery by getting me out and enjoying nature, I view this as a therapy. I thank my psychologist, CPN, Support Worker and my family. They have been my support rails to help me in my recovery.