I have been in different mental health hospitals for 2 years. In these 2 years, I have engaged with the occupational therapy team to support my recovery and successful transition to the community. Coming to Cygnet Hospital Colchester, the occupational therapy team on the rehabilitation ward have been supporting me to engage in different interventions.
I have learnt a variety of management skills whilst working alongside the occupational therapy team. For example, I have learnt how to manage money better as previously I used to struggle with excessive spending habits. Another skill I have learnt is managing the cleanliness of my room. This has helped me to enforce a good routine of cleaning and tidying my room which has aided in improving my organisation skills. Moreover, I am more attentive to personal hygiene and self-care compared to before my admission to Cygnet Colchester, and as a result I now have a better understanding of how important it is to be presentable in appearance.
One of my favourite opportunities on the rehabilitation unit has been attending college. Whilst at college, I completed two courses, IT and Esol English. These helped me vocationally because in the future I am looking for a job as a receptionist and these qualifications would support me to achieve this goal. Although I have been qualified, I know this is an area that is constantly updating and I am still very keen to continue my development in IT skills.
I am currently working on creating a welcome sign for the rehabilitation unit alongside with occupational therapy team. I am feeling passionate that I am able to contribute to this hospital as everyone here really helped me to believe in myself and achieve my goals.
These opportunities have helped me to learn lots of things that will support me to live independently in the community.
I am happy with the occupational therapy team and how they have motivated me to achieve my goals. The department has work effortlessly and fantastically in encouraging me to become who I am today. I am really grateful to them because they didn’t lose hope in me.