Our stories
Alex’s Story: Rebuilding a Life Through Support and Community
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 […]
Sheila’s Story: Building Trust, Rebuilding a Life
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 […]
From Isolation to Community Life: Samuel’s Journey to Independence
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 […]
A Day in the Life of Nyasha – Occupational Therapist at AFG
Discover what a typical day looks like for an Occupational Therapist at one of our mental health hospitals.
Kev’s story – supported to live a completely different life
Kev, 33, who is autistic and nonverbal, is now is living a completely different life after the breakdown of his previous support.
Lisa’s story: from Support Worker to Senior Nurse Practitioner
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.
International Nurses Day: lecturer in nursing on why he still loves a busy shift
This International Nurses Day, Edge Hill University lecturer Allen O’Connor is sharing his career journey, why he continues to pick up clinical shifts and his interest in how board games can support people with complex mental health conditions.
From Support Worker to Head of Development – Carol’s career journey with AFG over 29 years
Carol has worked in a range of roles during her 29-year career journey with AFG, helping to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
‘I give people the tools they need to make a positive difference’ – Carol’s career journey at AFG
Having joined AFG nine years ago, Carol has made a positive impact in a number of roles throughout the organisation. Learn more about her journey with AFG…
From Mental Health Nurse to Registered Manager – Carol’s Journey with AFG
Carol joined AFG 25 years ago as a Mental Health Nurse at one of our Independent Hospitals in Lancashire and has progressed to Registered Manager of one of our mental health hospitals.
Kirsty’s Story – from HR Advisor to Chief Operating Officer
Having joined AFG fifteen years ago, Kirsty’s career journey has seen her progress into a senior leadership position, helping to drive growth across the organisation.
Marion’s story – overcoming chronic pain to get first job in social care
Marion Barraclough has a condition called degenerative disc disease, meaning she has experienced chronic pain throughout her adult life. She has, however, learnt to manage her health condition and is now loving her first job as a Support Worker with AFG.