7 March 2016

For immediate release

My recovery journey

CNWL's time as health provider at Wormwood Scrubs ends this April, but our influence will live on.

Below are the words of one man who is detained in Wormwood Scrubs and whom we have helped on his recovery journey.

Having been someone who has spent his life acting out his emotions and needs through self-harming and using drugs, he now feels able to express his needs and emotions and think about them.

This is a skill that he has been using in prison with professionals and other inmates and he is ready to also use in the community with his family. He is also keen to continue receiving psychological input after his release:

"I am twenty three years old. I have been in prison for eleven months; five of which I have chosen to spend in isolation.

"When I first came in prison, I felt messed up. I had cut my face, was depressed, and wanted to die. I have been self-harming since I was fifteen years old. At the time, I did not know how else to cope.

"I never received any input or help for my difficulties. I remember meeting Dimitra, my psychologist while I was on the inpatient unit. I ran away when she first tried to speak to me. I was sceptical.

"I have had ten months of psychological therapy now and I am no longer on segregation. I find talking difficult with others but through time and patience, I was able to open up to my psychologist. It became a space where I was able to discuss my emotions and feelings. I have learnt to understand myself better too. There were times before where I would behave without thinking and then feel guilty for my actions afterwards. I feel this is less likely to happen now.

"Others have noticed a change in me and say I am more settled and calm. I would agree as I do not feel so low in mood or want to self harm.

"Before therapy, I did not think ‘talking' would do much or believe I would feel better. Now I disagree, and would tell anyone in a similar position to take the help and make the best of your time in prison.

"I feel therapy is a transferable skill as I can put into practice what I learnt through my sessions to other areas of my life. My psychologist helped me to express and communicate my feelings with others. As a result, I am able to be more open with my family which has improved our relationship. With my psychologist we do not discuss only serious stuff; sometimes we laugh, too, which is nice.

"I hope to build upon my therapeutic work in the community, to get a job, and spend time with my family.

"I would like others to benefit from the psychology service and hope others access the help and support."

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Stephenson House, 75 Hampstead Road, London NW1 2PL
Tel: 020 3214 5756 e-mail:communications.cnwl@nhs.net