Jay* resides at Park View, our Extra Care Service in Fleetwood. Read on to see how being in the right place with the right people will help you in the good times and the bad.
*Names and faces have been changed throughout this story in order to protect those under our care.
What was life like before you came to Park View?
It was hard, I was in a bad way. I smoked weed in my younger days but I’ve been clean for 10 years now, no alcohol for 10 years, no cannabis for 10 years, no drugs for 10 years. Before I came here I was in hospital for a long time. I got pneumonia…and then I was in a coma for 4 weeks. After I moved, they found me this place and they have changed my life around.
How did it feel when you first arrived here?
When I first come here I didn’t know anyone. I had to get to know them – the people that live here and the people that work here. It was kind of hard, but it got easier as the months went by. I got to know everyone, started to settle down. And then everything was okay… It makes you feel like you’re home when you’re here.
What are you thankful for in your time here?
I’ve never been to a place like this. The last 15 months since I’ve been here, they have been really good to me. This is the best place I’ve ever been in. They are nice people, they do lots for you, and help you and keep you out of trouble. I can’t read or write so they help reading letters, they help me out with my phone and doing texts. I’m just getting over losing my son. You know what I mean? I’m just getting over it now. The staff support me, they do respond, they’re really good about it. I’m still grieving a bit but they talk to me like a proper person.
Langley is a Christian charity that seeks to be Christ-like, how does this impact you?
I do believe in going to church. It’s a very good thing going to church. Very good thing to give your heart to the Lord, and believe in God and all that, and be holy. The chaplain John, he comes here some Sundays and the weekdays. He is a very good chaplain, he comes and prays with us and I sit down and pray with him.
What would you say to someone about to move to Park View?
I’d say to them to keep their head down, get along with the staff, get along with the lads… just be yourself, and things will get better, and it’ll help you to move on to a better place. That’s what I say. And they really will get the help because I did, I got the help I needed. It really is a good place. And good luck to them.
Watch the video of Jay’s Story here:
Read more in Breakout
Read the full story and more in our latest edition of Breakout – Autumn/Winter 2024. Breakout is the supporter magazine for Langley Trust.
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