“Since being with Barnardo’s, I've seen myself grow as a more confident person.” - Freya’s experience

“Lisa helped me navigate my way out of the hospital.”

“My journey started when I was 16 and I was sectioned in hospital,” Freya says. “I was really struggling with my mental health. I have autism, ADHD and I have also been diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder.   

“Whilst I was in hospital, referrals were made to different services and Barnardo's came forward. That's how I got in touch with my keyworker, Lisa, and she’s been with me ever since. 

“I was working with Lisa while I was in hospital, and she would call me every Friday. She'd bring breakfast and we'd talk about different things. We did work on positive relationships and managing emotions, and she always had really good feedback and sources which really helped me. Lisa helped me navigate my way out of the hospital to my placement with the keyworker service.”  

“All the support I've had has been tailored to me” 

“I feel like I've been supported really well. All the support I've had has been tailored to me and specific for what I need,” she says. 

“There’s been so many things that have helped me. One time, I was given vouchers to get some new ear defenders. That really helped because when I'm out and things are too noisy, my ear defenders enable me to manage my feelings more and it makes it easier to face those struggles. 

“I’ve also been supported by going on days out with the service and having outside time. 

“I’ve been able to access other vouchers to purchase items that supported my mental health too. I love painting and drawing, so Lisa helped me get some arts and crafts equipment. And when I was in hospital, I loved playing the keyboard and I always wanted one of my own, so the vouchers allowed me to purchase a keyboard as well. Being creative really helps me focus and improve my mental health so being able to get those items was really helpful for me,” Freya explains. 

“Since being with Barnardo’s, I've seen myself grow as a more confident person and I’m so proud of how far I’ve progressed. 

“Even the smallest of things like having my ear defenders makes me feel more confident to go out now and be able to manage. I’ve been able to find lots of strategies to help manage my emotions, especially around regulating my feelings after I’ve been out in the community which was often overwhelming for me before.”  

Freya’s advice if you’re struggling with your mental health 

“I’m doing really well now, and my plan is to move into my own flat soon. I want to become a mental health nurse in the future because of the experiences I’ve had and the support I’ve had from Barnardo’s. 

“The mental health services as a whole in Manchester have supported me in the best way they possibly could have. I’ve had the most amazing support, and I really don’t think I would have gotten to this place if it wasn’t for all the professionals involved, including Lisa and everyone at Barnardo’s,” Freya says. 

“To other young people who might be struggling with their mental health, I would tell them to trust in the professionals. They’re professionals for a reason and they know what they’re doing. I would also just encourage others to believe in themselves and reassure them that things do and will get better.”