SERENDIPITY SAVED MY LIFE

When Dave Hughes lost part of his fingers in an industrial accident he thought his life as a craftsman was over.

Dave spent two years in rehabilitation, his hand started working again but his mind was stuck. He sunk into depression and anxiety, embarrassed by his physical appearance and unable to contemplate work.

“I’d worked from leaving school in the building trade and had just qualified as a joiner, then my plans were shattered.

I’d get up; watch out the window until everyone had gone to work before I went out. I’d walk around the park endlessly to occupy my mind, and then I’d go home, eat and do the same again in the evening. I didn’t want anyone to see me the way I was.”

Dave’s neighbour, a community mental health nurse, knew Dave needed help and asked him to DJ at his retirement party. He reluctantly agreed and was introduced to another guest, Julie. They became a couple and Julie set about helping Dave regain his confidence.

That and what happened next saved his life, says Dave.

“Julie wouldn’t give up on me. She helped me sort out problems with finances from being out of work, and then she found a vacancy with the occupational therapy team at Rathbone Hospital.

“My self doubt went through the roof but when I went round the wards as part of my interview everything fell into place. I chatted to patients, I felt we had things in common; they were living with mental health issues as I was. I had so many ideas. It was as if it was meant to be. I felt excitement for the first time in years.”

Dave now supports 32 men on two wards. “I absolutely love my job. When I work with a patient we’re in it together, just me and him. We’re both there, in the moment. It’s a release from the wards, they feel good about themselves and they trust me. We laugh and make each other feel better. I never want to retire – ever.”

Find your PERFECT FIT at Mersey Care

We’re recruiting now across a range of physical, mental health and learning disability services caring for adults and children. Find out more at jobs.merseycare.nhs.uk