Alison

Alison, 37, speaks of her experience through a PiC care pathway in Nottinghamshire.

"I had heard of this place Calverton Hill, where others had gone before me but would they take me? Assessment by them, support from my home team, waiting, keeping it together and then they said yes.

First impressions - a large house, no fence in my face, a sense of normality. Locked doors but not as I have known. The chance to be trusted, to reflect and think about a future that wasn't out of reach. "Look forward, not back" was the message they gave. This time I wanted to, I felt I could breathe, but could I keep going? The fear came back when I gave in to my friend and cut. Keep going they said, I did. With support, psychology helped me make sense of my feelings. Occupational therapists encouraged me to believe in myself, nurses were there to listen. The social workers who built the bridge to my sisters all guided me down the pathway and I could see there was a future waiting for me.

My transfer to Annesley House brought me new horizons, new goals and community leave, which I thought I would never achieve.

The last step to The Willows, some challenge but I was not on my own. Look at me how I have changed. A responsible person who manages stress in a way without threat to me or to you. Can I cope with the choices of where to go next? I did and I am there, in the same places as you, with the support I need, but look at my journey and what I have achieved."

Following treatment and goal setting, support and a clearly defined pathway through PiC Alison has been resettled in her home area for several years.

Case studies are based on real events, but names have been changed to protect the identity of the individuals involved.