"Could not ask for better care"

It is roughly 6 months since I tried to take my own life and after a period in hospital I entered Bowmere - Beech Ward - as a voluntary patient.

It was extremely light, clean and welcoming, which was matched by the reception and treatment that I received from the off.

The ward and its staff - from consultants, nurses, clinical staff to the maintenance team - are required to cater for a wide range of conditions and backgrounds, yet manage to treat everyone with the utmost care and respect .

Yes, there are incidents of extreme behaviour by some residents, which need to be dealt with quickly and efficiently, but at no time did I see anyone display anything other than the utmost professionalism and empathy.

There is no way these people could do their jobs if they didn't care.

I am now continuing my recovery at home with my family.

Unfortunately the NHS Primary Care facilities for Mental Health are unable to match that in these units and due to the 14 week wait in limbo, I have been forced to pay for ongoing counselling myself.

However, I would not have been in a position to do this without the Beech Ward staff.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart and ask you to hold your heads up high with pride in what you do.