50 Voices
MICHAEL 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
Michael Christopher Bungay
50 Voices
Michael Christopher Bungay
Michael Christopher Bungay received support from Turning Point’s residential Midpoint Service in Hertfordshire from January 2013 to February 2014.
Before coming to Turning Point I felt like I rather would have stayed in Newcastle-uponTyne. I had lived in the North-East for 6 years and had achieved independence in most essential areas and studied IT essentials and Business Admin. I only came back to my native Stevenage because my funding was stopped in December 2012. My Care Co-ordinator at the time came to Newcastle to tell me about Midpoint as a possible next place of residence. The only other alternative was in St Albans and, therefore, further from Stevenage so Midpoint seemed the only logical choice. I did not require much support from Turning Point as I was mostly independent already.
I realised I was on the road to recovery when Turning Point helped me to get the report on me from social services re-written as it was completely wrong and too derogatory. Interacting with my fellow residents was particularly impactful for my journey to recovery. Aaron and Colette were great Keyworkers, they understood me and listened to me and we went on some great activities together. Aaron and Colette helped me to get my benefits reinstated and to volunteer at the Hertford Archive Library. Life at Midpoint was an eye opener of sorts as I had gone from being in a Autism-centric unit to a mental health-centric one where I was the only known ‘aspie’ resident. I have more awareness of other mental health conditions as well as Autistic Spectrum conditions.
50 Voices
Michael Christopher Bungay
I have become a regular volunteer at Hertford Archive Library thanks to Turning Point and regularly attend the Creative Writing Group at Midpoint.
Turning Point to me means an organisation that actually bothers to listen and understand and help me.
Turning Point to me means an organisation that actually bothers to listen and understand and help me. Before Turning Point I was going to a madhouse, shy and missing Newcastle; after I am like a new man, proud and more open-minded. If I could give my past self a message I’d say to myself in years to come, you’ll be able to defend yourself through creative writing and you’ll develop plenty of new skills and talents. There is a lot to tell.
Without Turning Point I would have gone to St Albans or ended up stuck at home, gradually losing all the skills I’d developed in my 6 years in Newcastle.
I am poised to become a published author.
In terms of my future I am poised to become a published author; I am just in the process of editing my book ready for publication. I am unsure as to what to study as I have a lot of skills and I hope to be an ambassador of some sort for people with Autistic Spectrum Conditions.
50 Voices
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