A COVENTRY teenager has joined the mental health company that oversaw his treatment after he was hospitalised for ill mental health.
Thomas Beasley is sharing his story as part of children’s Mental Health Week to ‘speak up for those who don’t have a voice.’
At just 18, he joined the healthcare company that played a pivotal role in his recovery journey.
Just under a year ago, Thomas was hospitalised at Cygnet Joyce Parker Hospital due to living with ill mental health, which began when he was 16.
He was diagnosed with Complex PTSD, ADHD, and Autism.
Thomas has now begun working for the Lived Experience Network as an Expert by Experience, to help those who are living with similar challenges.
By drawing upon his own journey through hospitalisation and treatment, he will be supporting young people hospitalised due to their mental health at Cygnet Health Care services.
He said: “I want to speak up for people who don’t have a voice.
“When you’re in a mental health service, sometimes you just don’t have the strength in yourself to speak up about what you need.
“I’ve been there and I know what can help and what hinders.
“I want to share that expertise to help get others into a good place.”
“Without Cygnet Joyce Parker Hospital, I genuinely wouldn’t be where I am today.
“The treatment was so person-centred, they really cared and wanted me to be the best person I could be.
“It is the place I felt safest and most understood and the staff were just incredibly compassionate.
“This is a chance for me to give back.”
Cygnet Joyce Parker Hospital became the first independent provider of healthcare services to invest in a full-time expert by experience lead in 2018.
Specialising in people between the ages of 12 and 18, the facility offers support within low secure, psychiatric intensive care, and acute settings.
Thomas added one of his first priorities will involve evaluating the hospital’s environmental conditions and ensuring the facilities are suitable for patients with sensory needs.
