When Marin* first arrived at Oswald House, she needed support with her mental health and social skills. Prior to her arrival, life had become increasingly difficult after her medication stopped working.

At that time, her doctor explained that further medical support could not be offered, and her mental health began to decline. It was at this point that Oswald House became the right place for her. During Marin’s time at Oswald House, the staff team have supported her in a variety of ways, always with the aim of helping her to grow in confidence and independence.

Marin explains that one of the most important parts of her journey has simply been having someone to talk to and listen. Alongside this emotional support, staff have encouraged her to build practical life skills through cooking lessons, prompts around personal hygiene, and guidance with managing her medication.

With time and practice, Marin has also taken responsibility for her laundry and now cleans her room independently. Alongside the support of the care team, Marin has also engaged in therapeutic interventions to aid her recovery. She participated in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and has since worked closely with our Assistant Psychologist to explore her triggers and develop healthier coping strategies.

Over time, Marin has invested in building strong therapeutic relationships with staff, which has been a vital part of her progress. Through regular sessions with her Key Workers, she has taken part in a range of therapeutic activities, from developing independence skills to engaging in arts and crafts and accessing the wider community, all of which have contributed to her growth in confidence and resilience.

Life at Oswald House has also given Marin opportunities to enjoy her hobbies and interests. She loves going bowling, drawing and colouring, shopping for clothes and food, and watching Disney films.

A special part of her daily life is spending time with Ivy her cat, who brings comfort and companionship. For Marin, the staff remain central to her experience, as her favourite part of the service is talking with them. The team ensures that she can see her family often by facilitating visits, driving Marin to visit her mum.

Over time, Marin has achieved a great deal. She has become more confident in her cooking, is very capable when it comes to managing her own medication, and has developed strategies to better manage her feelings and reduce outbursts with others. She looks forward to both the daily activities within the service and the monthly trips out, which give her new experiences and chances to connect with the wider community.

Looking ahead, Marin’s goal is to live independently in her own accommodation. While Marin’s Social Worker is sourcing independent accommodation for Marin, staff are supporting her by continuing cooking sessions, providing help with finances and timekeeping, and offering guidance and encouragement in all areas of daily life. These steps are steadily preparing her to live independently, and a carefully thought-out transition plan will ensure the move to her new home is positive.

When asked what Oswald House means to her, Marin is clear: “It means everything to me as my behaviour has improved and it has helped me to get better.” For her, Oswald House is not only a place of care but a place of growth, where she has been able to rebuild her confidence, strengthen her independence, and begin planning for a brighter future.

*Name and picture has been changed to protect her identity.