Success story – Kevin

Company news

Sep 27, 2013

Kevin is 41 years old and has been suffering with schizophrenia for most of his adult life.  He was referred to Riverbank by his social worker after a string of unsuccessful stays at various secure units in the North of England. 

Here is his story:

“I had nowhere to turn before – no-one else really knew how to handle me – but Riverbank has been brilliant, exactly what I needed.  You have to work on getting better yourself but the team here help you as much or as little as you want.  Everyone here has given me nothing but support, and my keyworker, Chris, is always there for me.  If it wasn’t for Riverbank, I’d probably be back in a secure prison or I might not be here at all.”

“The facilities here are great; you can go and chill out in the bistro with the other service users, watch TV or use the internet, and the team are always popping in for a chat.”

Kevin has progressed through all three rehabilitation stages at Riverbank and is now living in one of the unit’s independence flats, Margaret Street flats. 

“I’m feeling really positive about everything.  I’m living on my own now but, if I ever do feel stressed, I know there’s someone I can call to talk to and a safe place to come to.  It’s like a safety net.” 

Chris Jackson, Kevin’s designated keyworker said:  “Kevin’s been able to make brilliant progress and now enjoys a happy, successful life.  He’s a great example of what can be achieved with the right support and he’s keen for his story to inspire other people who struggle with mental illness to believe they can do the same.”