Wesley's story
I was first diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 15. I was also using hard drugs. I had a troubled childhood and was bullied at School. All this meant I was a very unhappy and unwell young man.
At the age of 19 I moved into my own flat, near my family home. But at that stage I just couldn’t look after the flat, or myself.
Another blow was that I was then re-diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder. I tried living with my family but it was difficult for them to give me the support I needed.
I decided to go into Curchvale Rehabilitation unit to learn the skills I needed to be independent.
My life has not been all doom and gloom. I did well at College and achieved an A grade in Physiology. I enjoy tarot reading and all things mystical. You can hear me singing around the house.
I have moved on and now live at the Willows. After a few apprehensions at first, I think it is the right decision. I have fought against the odds.
As for the future, I definitely want to move to the new Willows when it is built, I want to continue at college learning performing arts, and I want to be an actor, just like George Clooney. Not a lot to ask is it?