"An outstanding service"

I had an unexpectedly long stay at Wainwright Crescent due to complications with my wider situation.

Wainwright was not necessarily the service that was set up to best suit my needs and I was extremely anxious, however I didn't anticipate what a fantastic, responsive and compassionate team and management run the service. They unfailingly worked hard to adjust their care to my personal needs - and I saw them doing the same for other service-users.

They took the time to get to know me, what worked for me and what didn't, to learn from trial and error, to communicate as a staff team and myself so that everyone was on the same page. We faced a lot of challenges during my time there for various reasons - and this was difficult, stressful and upsetting for all parties involved but instead of shying away from the challenge the team worked together with me and rose to it. 

I found myself becoming more stable, my issues became more contained, I was able to continue going to work and hold down a job for a significant time for the first time in my adult life, I felt valued for who I was and respected for what I bring, I felt that for the first time people were truly seeing what life was like for me and advocating for me about best course of care. I found that the staff came to know me inside out and the things they have helped me talk through and process have been huge and will be vital in my on-going journey. I started to grow back aspects of my independence which previously felt unreachable - such as being able to manage food, cooking and eating.

The team are dedicated, obviously enjoy their jobs and working with each other as a team - the rapport amongst the team and the way they know each other's strengths and weaknesses is evident, they are human and compassionate and have a very good sense of humour, they are adaptable - sometimes dealing with more than one challenging circumstance at once, they are transparent and honest, they are firm but fair, if you put in the hard work yourself they will walk beside you every step of the way. The management is visible and proactive and the manager very obviously cares a lot for the wellbeing of her staff and service-users. I have been under a lot of services - both inpatient and community in my time and Wainwright really is one of the most outstanding I have encountered. I am indebted to them for my time there and the process I have made and the understanding I have developed about myself and my mental health. There is a lot that can be learnt from them and I hope they continue to be quietly confident about their abilities. Keep up the good work Wainwright and thank you! :)