Our success is built on the successes of our service users. Read some of their personal stories below to find out more about how we work together with people with mental health problems to help them on their journey towards independent, fulfilling lives.
“In June 2002 I was working as a mental health nurse in New Zealand. By July, I was doped up on medication at my parent’s home in Lancashire with a new diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia.” Read Alex’s story.
“When I split with my partner I moved away and went through a very bad time. I felt very isolated because all the friends I had here had moved on.” Read Stella’s story.
“A few years ago, my wife divorced me. I got pneumonia and went into hospital in Bournemouth. I was okay there for a while but they didn’t know where to put me.” Read Martin’s story.
“I was doing a 9 to 5 job and was living independently in Bournemouth, taking a couple of evening classes. Then I had a breakdown.” Read Dave’s story.
“I’d had a very troubled marriage for years, which resulted in some bad mental health problems for me, and I ended up in a residential home.” Read Brenda’s story.
“It was only when I was led to the cells, the reality of my situation sunk in. As torturous as prison was, it removed me from the damaging situation I was in, and forced me to focus on myself, the consequences of what I had done, and how I could put all that right.” Read Andrew’s story.
Poems by users of Together’s services
I look down at the beauty of the Earth.
The clashing hues of changing colour.
Like irregular tides of the sea
From calm to stormy.” Sandra, Sheerness
We encourage users of Together services to express themselves through words, painting and other arts and crafts. We have a small selection of poems by Together service users on the site and you can view art by people who have experienced mental health problems in the Together Our Space Gallery.