Shore House provides accommodation and 24-hour intensive support to people with a range of mental health diagnoses, and those experiencing the effects of complex trauma. To help improve the mental and physical wellbeing of our clients, we offer personalised programmes of support which include activities for clients to engage in. One client, Dylan, found that engaging in the activities offered aided their recovery and helped them open up to staff and their community. This is their story.
Prior to arriving at Shore House, Dylan had experienced multiple hospitalisations and difficulties with the law. They were also estranged from their family after suffering frequent physical abuse. They also suffered abuse at the hands of their ex-partner, and the resulting relationship breakdown left Dylan homeless.
Throughout their adult life, Dylan has struggled with very poor mental health, and has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, complex PTSD, personality disorder and ADHD. When struggling, they have turned to self-harm to manage and communicate emotional distress, and ‘self-medicated’ with heavy use of drugs. This understandably severely impacted on their ability to retain meaningful employment and ability to open up or trust others.
Dylan was referred to Shore House in 2023 and began engaging with the structured groups and activities programme we offer. They appreciate clear timetabling and routine which we employed when working with them on their personal recovery pathway. Staff have provided practical and emotional support to Dylan whilst working with them and this has led Dylan to develop strong active listening skills.
Dylan relishes opportunities to build on old skills and learn new ones, and to develop new interests. They particularly enjoy activities that combine practical skills with a creative goal, such as cooking and gardening. They have also taken part in many activities such as Qi Gong, yoga, swimming, personal coaching and art groups. They have become a regular and enthusiastic participant in community events such as film nights, communal meals, music-making and in-house workshops. Dylan says they value and enjoy the times that “get people together – the activities help build a community vibe. You don’t feel alone”.
Dylan benefits greatly from receiving positive feedback and recognition of their worth to the community as a whole and is proud to have received certificates and commendations from first aid workshops and gardening competitions.
By accessing these groups and activities, Dylan has widened their social network and grown in confidence. Changes they have exhibited include being able to positively imagine and interact with a wider community and calm their anxiety by utilising external support groups in the city. They are now quick to be able to name how they are feeling and access timely support.
A testament to their improved mental health and new-found confidence has been recently demonstrated by their willingness to discuss their gender identity with staff and request a change in their pronouns.
They now express interest in volunteering for a local food charity, a great first step toward more independence. Dylan is valued as a positive and kind member of the household, and staff look forward to supporting them make their next step.
