A Patients Story

Hello, my name is Ryan; I came to Ty Catrin on 02nd June 2010. I am 18 years old and come from North Wales.

When I realised I was coming to Ty Catrin, as you can expect I was anxious and apprehensive as to what I had let myself in for.
When I first arrived, Ty Catrin staff met me at the front door and straight away I felt welcome. On my first day I was shown around the ward and had the rules and expectations of a patient explained to me, After this I was individually introduced to each of the other patients.

During my first day the OT (Occupational Therapy) manager came down to greet me and to explain what OT was all about. OT offers chances to improve and learn new skills in things like cooking, IT, Drama, woodwork etc.

Out of these subjects I chose cooking, IT, Drama, and art. As I got into the drama sessions I was encouraged to improvise and wrote a play.

Staff at Ty Catrin have helped me in many ways, some of these are: - • To help me express my emotions. • To help me with my personal hygiene. • To help me keep my bedroom tidy. • And most of all they were always there when I needed a chat.

Another major part of the staff support for me was the support I received when I felt out of place and this was shown in my behaviour and attitude, this was until Dr Warren Lloyd helped me to build a structure for my day whilst helping me to identify the dangers that I was putting myself and other people in, this was due to me not thinking before I acted, which I am very happy to say I have started to understand how to control.

Whilst being at Ty Catrin, you will, like I did, make friendships with the other patients. Another thing you will realise whilst you stay at Ty Catrin is that you will build a good relationship with the staff which in time you can introduce trust.

One thing I feel that was beneficial to me was I was attending the therapies that are available. These include psychology, drugs and alcohol, anger management etc.
Finally, like I am, you will one day move on and reflect on the good and bad and feel grateful that you had the chance to come to Ty Catrin.