| We want all the people who use our services to overcome the challenges in their lives and achieve personal goals. Read short testimonials from service-users describing how Together has supported them to do this or dip into the longer personal stories below.
Brenda's story'I'm better than I've been in years'
Brenda* explains how, after a troubled marriage, she now attends a Together day centre and has discovered a talent for creative writing which has boosted her self-esteem.
Dave's story'I've started to feel excited about the future'
Dave* talks about how he came to Together's Clifton House care-home after experiencing a breakdown, and is now starting to focus on future opportunities with the support of staff.
John's story'A quiet life, that's all I want'
John* explains how, after years of chaos caused by bipolar affective disorder, he is beginning to take control of his mental health, and how, thanks in part to the support of one of our Forensic Mental Health Workers, he has started to enjoy life.
Martin's story'I used to get periods of depression and elation...I still get elated sometimes but I don't get depression. And that's better isn't it!'
Martin* went through a divorce and hospitalisation. He now calls Together's King's House where he lives 'home'. He describes the activities he enjoys there and explains how he feels much happier since moving.
Ron's story‘I’m not panicking as much and if I do start panicking then I sort of manage to control it and get over it’
Ron* talks with painful honesty about his ‘breakdown’ and problems with anxiety and alcohol – and about how with support from our West and Mid Essex Personal Development Service and Prospects work-training service, he is slowly beginning to reclaim his life and confidence.
Ray's story
‘I overdosed quite a few times and would wake up in hospital or strange people’s houses’
Ray* tells of how his unhappy childhood led to years of drug misuse, and how after sinking to rock bottom he has discovered a talent for photography and is now rebuilding his life with support from Together’s West and Mid Essex Personal Development Service.
Shirley's story‘I wanted to try and get a place where there were more people I could get on with...’
Shirley* tells the moving story of her life – from a youth spent in an ‘epilepsy colony’, through a period in Rampton Hospital, to her current home in on of our residential care-homes.
Stella's story'Because I'm transexual, people do form judgements...I've found my niche in this place, it's not judgemental'
Stella* describes her journey from feeling suicidal and isolated to the therapeutic environment of Together's Carisbrooke House day centre, where she now feels accepted and supported.
*All names have been changed
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