50 Voices
DENISE 50 Voices captures the authentic voice of the people that use our services and our staff as Turning Point celebrates its 50th anniversary
50 Voices
Denise Finlayson
50 Voices
Denise Finlayson
Denise Finlayson has been at Midpoint, a residential rehabilitation service in Hertfordshire that supports individuals with serious mental health difficulties, since April 2014.
Before coming to Turning Point I was very ill as I was in hospital and depressed. I did not go outdoors for 6 months. When in hospital, I was allowed out of the hospital when I wanted to during the day time which was good for me as we had to do things to help ourselves. I was looked after well there. I was referred to Midpoint by my care coordinator. We’d come to see what it was like here and I liked it here more than the hospital. We have to look after ourselves here and have to do living skills here. They did talk about going to a host family but I did not want to do that.
During step-down, I found Midpoint was for me.
The staff have been very helpful with helping me do things that I have never done before.
I was only here for eight weeks but there is a problem with housing for me so I have stayed longer, but I am glad I am still here as it helps me. The staff have been very helpful with helping me do things that I have never done before. It is a very good place to be at and very helpful. I was on the road to recovery when I came to Midpoint about 2 weeks into step-down. I have had a few let-downs but nothing to do with Midpoint. Everything here has helped me but most of all the groups they have here. I am making friends here.
50 Voices
Denise Finlayson
My keyworker is Neha Haurheeram and she is very nice and very helpful and very understanding.
I go out with friends and it is like a family here and we’ve got the animals to look after.
Neha helps me with getting my benefit and going to the groups that we have and a lot more. Life at Midpoint is good but sometimes boring and that is where the groups come in. I go out with friends and it is like a family here and we’ve got the animals to look after.
Since coming to Midpoint I am a lot more confident in myself and a lot more out there by talking to people and making friends and I try to help others if I can. I have done animal care here looking after the chickens and birds and gardening which I enjoy doing. For me Turning Point is a lifeline to the outside and helps me to do things. Before I was depressed, nervous and could not be bothered with myself. Now I am sociable, more outgoing, more helpful and look after myself now. If I could give my past self a message I would say to seek help sooner than I did. And not to worry so much about what is going on and not to let things get you down. Look after myself and keep in touch with my friends.
Midpoint is a turning point in my life which is helping me to get back into life. In the future I would like a place of my own and being around family more and I would like to do voluntary work in caring for people.
50 Voices
Turning Point Standon House 21 Mansell Street London E1 8AA 020 7481 7600 info@turning-point.co.uk
50 Voices Learn more at www.turning-point.co.uk For press enquiries about 50 Voices please contact press@turning-point.co.uk