Our stories

Jack was admitted to Oak Lodge in February 2023 after spending several years in secure hospital care. With a long history of mental health challenges and a forensic background, he faced a major transition—moving from institutional life to independent living in the community. Jack was highly anxious about this change and needed significant support to […]

Laura, a 58-year-old woman with a diagnosis of personality disorder, has spent much of her adult life in hospital settings, often far from home and family. Her journey with mental health services began in 1987, and Laura unfortunately during her inpatient admissions she experienced the loss of several loved ones, including her father, brother, sister, […]

Since joining us 8 months ago as a Community Mental Health Practitioner, Amie has had a huge impact for the people we support and their support teams. What is the role of a Community Mental Health Practitioner? My role is to deliver effective interventions and coordinate care plans for adults with mental health problems. The […]

Since joining us 7 months ago as a Community Mental Health Practitioner, Jen has had a huge impact for the people we support and their support teams. What is the role of a Community Mental Health Practitioner? My role is to deliver effective interventions and coordinate care plans for adults with mental health problems.The role […]

Karl’s* journey with Alternative Futures Group began in late 2019 when he was admitted to Lea Court as an inpatient. After nearly three years of intensive support, he transitioned in 2022 to a step-down service designed to help people build confidence, independence and stability in the community. At the time of his move, Karl was […]

Alex*, now 63, has lived with a long-standing diagnosis of treatment-resistant schizophrenia. He has been known to local mental health services since the late 1980s and has experienced periods of depression, social anxiety, and withdrawal. He has openly shared his struggles, including feelings of isolation and difficulty forming close relationships From 2004 to 2021, Alex experienced […]

When Sheila* arrived at Meadow Park, she was at one of the most challenging points in her life. Having spent many years struggling with her mental health and experiencing repeated hospital admissions, she found it difficult to trust professionals. Her past experiences left her feeling unheard and defensive, she struggled to engage with the support offered to her […]

Samuel’s* journey to supported independence began after a long period of personal and mental health challenges. For 13 years, he rarely left his home due to a combination of agoraphobia, OCD, an underactive thyroid, and high blood pressure. He spent most of his time in his bedroom, sleeping in a chair and became completely dependent […]

Discover what a typical day looks like for an Occupational Therapist at one of our mental health hospitals.

Read about Craig’s 15-year career journey with AFG…

Kev, 33, who is autistic and nonverbal, is now is living a completely different life after the breakdown of his previous support.

Lisa Peet started working at our independent hospital in Wigan as a Support Worker in 2011 and is now in a leadership role as a Senior Nurse Practitioner.