"Changed my life for the better!"

I was inpatient at the Aspen Centre for 11 months (2015-2016), and then another 5 months (2016-3017) due to a sudden relapse.

The unit is separate from the main hospital which gives it a more homely feel, the bedrooms are all single and some ensuite. Obviously with lack of funding there are staff shortages (Really struggled being on 1:1 with agency staff, mainly male too) and the bathrooms aren't the cleanest, but the team are amazing.

I had some extremely low moments in there, and they helped me to stay safe and gain independent skills, meaning I managed to move out from my family home to live independently!

I think many places are too comfortable, leading to patients becoming institutionalised. This unit managed to balance between being a safe space, whilst being one that you don't want to come back to!

They provide a treatment programme that you can choose to sign up for, or a shorter stay for weight restoration. They offer therapy, groups and independent cooking/eating in the therapy kitchen.

Ward Rounds weekly include all main staff involved in care, and you can choose to go in and have your say too. The consultant psychiatrist is very understanding and helpful, they give you time to talk and shows that they genuinely care, which from previous experience is rare!

Considering the lack of funding that they get and the lack of staff, they do a brilliant job and I can't thank them enough!

I'm now an Outpatient with them, a transition that is made easier being able to see the same therapist, continuing the work with the trust that has already been built.

I was previously trapped in a mindset of accepting jumping from one unit to another, but thanks to the Aspen Centre, I can now see a future without hospital admissions. I hope I never had to go back in, but if I did, I know I could trust the staff and their care.