Neil's story
My illness started when I was 16 years of age. I had problems at school and sometimes didn't go.
I started seeing things that were not there, so the school sent me to Child Guidance. I made model aeroplanes there, and also did Maths and English. I went two or three times a week to learn basic skills.
Eventually Child Guidance sent me to Hollymoor hospital in Northfield.
I was at Hollymoor adolescent unit for three years but I kept running away. The police used to find me and take me back. At this time I was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
From Hollymoor I went to All Saints hospital, where I stayed for ten years. I eventually left All Saints and went into lodgings and hostels.
I spent a while moving around from place to place, often going back into hospital when unwell.
I came to live at the Gables in June 1997. I feel at last that I have a home. I have stability and people who understand and care.
I have only been in hospital for my mental health a few times since living at the Gables. That is because there is everything I need here to keep me stable.