A recovery journey to giving back
Lifeways specialist mental health support team members at Ashbrow Heights in Huddersfield are celebrating an inspiring milestone for a person they support, whose recovery journey has led to a meaningful opportunity to support others.
As part of the service’s “Milestone May” focus on recovery achievements, Megan has taken a significant step forward by securing a volunteering role that has helped to build her confidence and reduce isolation.
A five-year journey of growth
Megan has been supported by Lifeways for the past five years, first at Eldon Lodge in Bradford before moving to Ashbrow Heights. Living with a personality disorder diagnosis, she previously experienced repeated hospital admissions and challenges following her time in care.
Through tailored, person-centred support, Megan has developed ways to better understand and manage her mental health, such as learning to process her thoughts and break down her feelings. This has led to a reduction in her reliance on primary care services and a significant decrease in self-harming behaviours. Notably, she has not required any hospital admissions since moving to Ashbrow Heights.
Ryan Patchett, Service Manager at Ashbrow Heights, has reflected on her progress: “I’ve known Megan since she first came to Lifeways, and it really does feel like being a proud parent. It used to feel like it was her against the world from the moment she woke up. Now, she feels safe and secure, and she’s taking such positive steps in her recovery.”
Building confidence and connection
A key focus of Megan’s support has been reducing isolation and building confidence within the community. During a review, she shared feelings of social anxiety and isolation, which led to a creative approach to engagement that centred around her love of animals.
This resulted in visits to Swiffen Farm, where Megan has been able to interact with others in a calm, supportive environment while benefiting from the therapeutic impact of working with animals. The experience has helped her grow in confidence and feel more connected.
Megan has also become more involved in everyday life at the service, taking part in group activities including BBQs, bowling, crazy golf and visiting a local carnival. These experiences have strengthened her relationships with fellow residents and helped her feel part of a community.
At home, her independence has flourished. Once reluctant to engage in daily routines, Megan now takes pride in her environment by keeping her home clean, tidy and well maintained.
Ryan added: “There’s been a real level of maturity in how Megan approaches things now. She’s calmer, more settled, more insightful and she takes time to sit with things and work them through. She’s really good at reflecting on how she feels, which has been incredibly positive. She’s a lot more confident, a lot happier, and more settled within herself.”
Giving back and looking ahead
Megan’s new volunteering role marks an important next step - using her own lived experience to support others facing similar challenges. Known for her kind and caring nature, she has also expressed an ambition to study childcare at college in the future.
“Megan is very kind and caring, and she really wants to work with children,” Ryan said. “The future looks positive and she’s focused and committed, despite the challenges she’s faced.”
The team at Ashbrow Heights continues to celebrate Megan’s achievements and ensure she recognises the progress she has made.
“We’re all very proud of her. It’s about positively reinforcing the steps she’s taking and helping her see just how far she’s come,” Ryan said.
Megan’s journey demonstrates the life-changing impact of personalised support, encouragement and opportunity, showing how recovery can not only rebuild confidence and independence, but empower the people we support to give back and inspire others.