"I will be forever grateful" - Loren's Story

Loren’s History Loren, a young woman diagnosed with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, has experienced significant mental health challenges from adolescence. She first became known to services at the age of 17 and required several inpatient admissions due to high levels of psychological distress and risk. Prior to her admission to Chilwell House, Loren had received support from a range of inpatient and community-based mental health services, including CAMHS and adult acute settings. She presented with symptoms of emotional dysregulation, dissociation, functional tics, and difficulties related to trauma. Despite this, she showed strong motivation to recover and build a more independent life. Loren’s Admission

Loren was admitted to Chilwell House in January 2019, shortly after turning 18. At the time, she required a high level of support and began her stay in the crisis room to ensure her safety. She had experienced multiple hospital admissions around the time of her transition and arrived at the service feeling disheartened and uncertain about her future. "When I arrived at Chilwell House, I was placed in the crisis room and required 2 more hospital admissions during my placement."

Her early weeks were marked by emotional distress and an intensive need for support, but Loren soon began to engage positively with her care and build trusting relationships with the team. This marked the beginning of her journey of recovery.

Loren's Care The team at Chilwell House provided Loren with a structured, consistent, and trauma-informed environment. Over time, she began to stabilise and engaged meaningfully with her care plan. Her journey involved gradual progress, therapeutic input, and a strong focus on developing independence.

As Loren built confidence, she moved from the main building to one of the on-site step-down flats, where she was able to practice living more independently while remaining supported. She developed routines that gave her a sense of purpose and wellbeing, including cooking and baking — which became a meaningful part of her week. "I was able to manage my own personal care needs and I was able to cook for myself, I enjoyed baking, and I enjoyed spending time with other service users and teaching them how to bake. The staff especially enjoyed my cheese twists, these were a hit with all." Loren also achieved full independence with her medication, reaching Level 6 — the highest level of medication at Chilwell House.

"I reached Level 6 medication, which meant that I was able to store, order, and collect my own medication." Her educational achievements were equally impressive. While living at Chilwell House, Loren completed a Health and Social Care course at college, earned distinction stars, and was awarded a scholarship to attend university. Her first university assignment was so strong it was used as a model example for other students.

"I completed college and got a scholarship to go to university. I did a placement in a school for children with psychiatric illnesses and I loved this. I got distinction stars in college, and my first assessment at university is now used as an example for others to follow." Loren also made significant progress in understanding and managing her mental health. She engaged in therapy to explore complex emotional themes, worked creatively with staff to develop practical coping strategies, and created a personalised anxiety scale to support communication during difficult moments. Despite ongoing challenges — including periods of dissociation, low mood, and persistent risk — Loren remained determined and engaged. She built a strong sense of self, learned to identify her needs, and practiced asking for help when she needed it.

Loren Today

After more than four years of hard work, commitment, and growth, Loren successfully transitioned into independent living in the community in April 2024. She is now managing her own tenancy and continuing to pursue her university education. "I have worked so hard with the staff and management of Chilwell House to get where I am today and due to their hard work and dedication towards me, I know I am ready to move on to independent living." Loren added "I would not of been able to achieve this and be where I am today if I had not given the opportunity to have a placement within Aspire Health and Care and I will be forever grateful for this." Loren’s journey is a powerful testament to what can be achieved through person-centred care, consistency, and belief in someone’s potential. Her progress from crisis to independence highlights not only her personal strength, but also the life-changing impact of compassionate, trauma-informed support. Everyone at Aspire Health and Care is incredibly proud of Loren — of her growth, her achievements, and the bright future she continues to build.