Supporting Wayne

Wayne Gathercole has had mental health problems since he was a child.

He was in and out of mental health hospitals and as he became an adult his problems were worsened by an addiction to drugs and alcohol.

He was diagnosed with a schizoaffective disorder, with the main symptom being hallucinations and particularly hearing voices in his head.

Wayne was referred to Broadacres in 2013 and moved into one of our supported housing schemes in Northallerton. Here, he was supported to do things that most people take for granted, but for which having a mental illness can hinder. This included getting out of bed on a morning, washing his clothes and cooking.

Over time, and with the help of medication, Wayne’s life slowly began to turn around for the better.

He explains: “Before I was referred to Broadacres I had reached rock bottom and thought I had nothing left to fight for.

“But, thanks to the team at Broadacres, they drew me up from the bottom of the pit of despair and gave me new hope.

“This resulted in me having a moment of clarity where I told myself I was going to give up drink and drugs and make something of my life.”

After just over two years in our supported scheme, Wayne recently moved into one of our homes in Thirsk. He still receives support from us, along with our partner agencies which include the mental health teams at North Yorkshire County Council and Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Trust, but this is now on a much-reduced basis.

Wayne adds: “I receive five hours support from Broadacres each week and this included helping me cook my own meals, pay my bills, sorting my paperwork and arranging appointments.

“I also attend the Skill Mill, which is a charity in Northallerton that helps people with mental health problems and here I do various activities, including making tables.

“I have been able to use these skills to improve my home and as I am now not spending all my money on drinks and drugs, I have been able to save up to buy nice things for the house.

“My mum and dad live directly opposite from me and I have also been able to buy them nice presents to give to them at Christmas.

“The support has made a massive difference and at the age of 43 I am finally starting to become independent and I am now looking forward to 2018 with more positivity.”