Northampton patient finds meaning from FitzRoy kitchen work

A patient from Sycamore whose self-harm had previously become severe is now regularly working in the FitzRoy kitchen, using a range of sharp objects.

In just six months, Kevin* has gone from doing just a couple of hours a week to two full-days where he has fast become a valued member of the team.

Head Chef Simon Pygott said: “Initially Kevin started off putting deliveries away and helping with the washing up. We found him a pleasure to work with and realised he was very keen to develop and learn more, so we set out a training plan for his development.

“He’s since learnt stock rotation and how to set up ward orders.  As Kevin continued to progress we increased his hours and started to give him more responsibility, which now includes making salads for service, learning about cross contamination, cleaning down after himself, and understanding about food allergens.”

Kevin has been at St Andrew’s for four years and when he was first admitted, the 22-year-old remembers he was very unwell.

He said: “I have always struggled, even as a kid I was hearing other voices in my head, but I hid it from everyone because I thought people would judge. When I first came to St Andrew’s I was in a bad way. But the staff have really helped me, plus I’ve had lots of therapy.

“Having the job in the kitchen has really helped me too. It gives me something to do, a focus. I am thinking for myself and yes, I’m really proud of myself. I love it.”

Now, Kevin is operating the dishwasher on his own, managing his own jobs within the team and helping to make puddings and salads on a regular basis.

Simon added: “Kevin is very inquisitive as to what we do and why we do things the way we do. He’s a pleasure to have around and he’s become a really valued member of the team.”

*Patient name changed for anonymity.