“When I was diagnosed I felt isolated. Now I want to say to others ‘look, me too. You’re not alone.’”

Acaycia had her first episode of psychosis two years ago. Since then, alongside support from the Trust’s Early Intervention in Psychosis team and Asperger’s service, she has found writing – something she enjoyed before her illness – has helped her through some of her most difficult times.

Here she explains how her life has been affected by hallucinations and delusions - symptoms of her psychosis - and how writing about it is helping her recovery.

Aphasia Awareness Month: Adapting to life with aphasia

As part of Aphasia Awareness Month throughout June, we’re telling the story of Maria. Maria was just 44 when she had a major stroke in July 2016, leaving her with aphasia, a condition that affects the brain and causes problems with speech and language.

Aphasia Awareness Month: Pursuing a new normality

In 2015 we shared Peter’s story. Peter was 61 when two strokes within four days left him with aphasia, a condition that affects the brain and leads to problems using language.

After his stroke, Peter didn’t speak for almost two years. Today, five years later, he now uses some speech alongside other strategies.

As part of Aphasia Awareness Month throughout June, we caught up with Peter and his wife, Carol, to find out how they live with aphasia.

Mental health nurses: “Without them, I don’t believe I would still be alive”

Joy Biddell wanted to share her story and say thank you to the nurses who made a huge difference to her recovery.

Since a young age I have struggled with my mental health. The first contact I had with services was with CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) during my teens and this was for OCD. I had struggled with OCD for many years, however I didn’t reach out for help until I was 16.

Cakes which make a difference

Mental Health Nurse Maria Ditch bakes cakes which make a difference. Here she tells us the story behind her latest design, and why she wants to use cake to raise awareness of mental health issues.

All of my professional life I’ve been passionate about mental health. Since 1985, I’ve worked as a Registered Mental Nurse at Rampton Hospital - one of only three high secure hospitals in the country.

Former patient returns to hospital as an employee

A former patient of the Trust’s medium secure unit in Rotherham, Wathwood Hospital, has returned six years later as an employee.

Andy Reynolds spent five years as a patient at Wathwood and is now working in the Courtyard Café and Farm Shop in the Hospital grounds.

While at the Hospital Andy was part of the successful ‘Wathwood Hospital in the Community’ project which involved patients and staff working together with members of the public to help improve the local area, for example through providing gardening services.  Since leaving the Hospital Andy has kept busy involving himself with countryside activities and poultry rearing which will come in handy in his new role.   Here he tells his story…

David's story: my struggle with alcohol

David had always enjoyed the occasional beer however, as his drinking steadily worsened during a difficult few years, it took its toll on his health. After a stay in hospital, he found himself supported by the Trust’s Alcohol Related Long Term Conditions Team and is now firmly on the road to recovery.

Almost a year on, David, 45, is sharing his story to encourage others who are struggling with alcohol to access the help that is available.