Beth identified a number of goals which we supported her with, such as college courses and voluntary work, which she managed successfully, further adding to her confidence.

After some time, she suggested to the service manager that staff met with her parents to explain the move on process. Her parents were becoming increasingly involved as the prospect of moving on got closer and she wanted us to reassure her parents again, that they needn’t be quite so protective.

Beth now lives independently in a one bedroom flat, she manages her finances on her own and doesn’t require any support with her budgeting. She is in education and also volunteers in a local café, where she is working towards getting further training in order to use those skills in paid employment in the future.

Previously when she did try to speak, Beth often found it difficult to find the words and “get them out”, now she talks freely and confidently, she’s resilient and able to voice her wishes and opinions.

Beth’s story is proof that a community-based model of supported housing helps people to manage their mental illness by giving them the tools to live and work independently. It is further evidence that we need to create communities that care for people severely affected by mental illness.

With your support, we can provide people living with mental illness the warmest of welcomes when they arrive at our Gloucestershire Supported Housing Service. Keep an eye out for how you can help! We'll have more information for you in the coming weeks!

Beth is a pseudonym. Although the story is real, she preferred to remain anonymous.