"Staff at Ty Sirhowy will spend time with you, without judging"

I went into Ty Sirhowy voluntarily, after suffering at home causing lots of problems for the family and self harming, it was the safest place for me to be.

I felt a bit odd when I went in the building but nobody reacted to your strange ways - after all going into a new place feeling as rough as hell is horrible. I was shown around the building, while my bag was checked. Certain items are removed and placed in a designated box and locked in a cupboard. Things like phone chargers, aerosols and hairdryers are removed but you are free to ask for them.

I eat one meal there, I'm overly fussy but every other patient loved the food. It was prepared in a very clean kitchen and food was widely varied.

Staff are lovely and you gel with some more than others. I honestly can't say a bad word against any of them, they are very thoughtful and are willing to spend time with you during stressful periods.

As a part of security and patient safety there will be 2 people on the upper floor where the bedrooms are to ensure if you are distressed etc you can go to them as an initial port of call. Depending on why you're in there they check your room every 15 mins...all done very politely and with a knock at the door beforehand.

Rooms are basic but that's what's expected, after all there are fewer things you can harm yourself with.

The overall building could do with a revamp to be honest but your room is lovely and clean. Once you're in there you have to maintain it. Toilets are cleaned regularly. There a TV room, OT room (puzzles etc) and conservatory with lovely gardens.

I was always told the place was a hell hole and you are drugged up to keep you quiet. That is totally wrong. They are very cautious about any medication and they follow the rule book to a T. The only down side I would say is that I didn't like queueing up with the other patients for medication. Initally I felt like a bit of a low life (I know that sounds terrible but I expected them to come to your room or you go to them singly) but I soon come to learn that there are some genuine people with genuine problems and I used that time waiting to interact with other patients. So actually it turned out fine.

I don't ever want to go back, but not because of the treatment I received - it's just that I want to stay well. But I wouldn't be afraid or apprehensive if I'm unlucky enough ever to have go back.

My view on the place has totally changed and I would praise Ty Sirhowy staff for their very difficult job of looking after people with all different types of problems, without ever judging them.