Written by a Service User
I was five and half years old when I had my accident, a freak accident that changed the whole course of my life. I was just walking out of my school reception with mum and some friends; everything was fine until we reached the school gates. A 35 metre part of the school roof blew off because of the 90mph winds. The school roof hit the chain link fence before hitting me on the left side of my skull.
The following twelve months were a blur. I remember experiencing memory problems and difficulties controlling mood and aggression. I stood out from other children and because of my problems I had to leave a variety of schools and placements. My behaviour was uncontrollable and all these schools and placements failed because of my mood swings. After acts of aggression I was always remorseful, but I still could not control my actions, this caused a lot of stress to my family. I could see the pressure I was putting then under, but I still could not control myself.
Although I had attended other placements, it was only at Kemsley that my rehabilitation started. It has now been two years since my admission and I have greater control over my aggression and mood swings. I now have unescorted ground leave and community leave and I feel I am once more part of society. I am now looking forward to returning to the community to live a normal life.
As I reflect about my time at Kemsley, I would say that it was not always good or enjoyable. However, through good times, bad times and low mood I have always been supported by staff. I have a great rapport and relationship with staff and this has helped me feel safer and settled. Although I am not perfect now and still lose it from time to time, the skills I have learnt and the support I have received have made it possible for me to view my future as positive.