Smethwick Mental Health patient celebrates qualification success

Diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2013 and having previously struggled with illicit drug use, Camilla Blake, 41, is now clean and thriving, having spent the past 11 months at the Cygnet Health Care service, Cygnet Raglan House, on Raglan Road, Smethwick.

With her sights set on a move to supported living, she credits the Cygnet Health Care team at the 25-bed mental health rehabilitation service for helping her turn her life around.

Reflecting on her journey, she said: "My life was a mess. I didn’t have any money or anything at all. I felt like I was a bad person. Drugs were destroying my life.

“Cygnet Raglan House has changed things for me massively. I feel like I’ve turned my life around now. I’m a lot happier and healthier. I don’t hear the voices in my head anymore and I feel in control of my life. My mental health is in a really good place, which is helped by the coping strategies the team at Raglan House have taught me.

"I’ve really enjoyed my time here - the facilities are great and the staff have been very supportive. They do the right thing by the patients and they’re always there if you need some help."

The AQA Unit Award Scheme provides individuals with the chance to develop new skills and gain formal recognition for their achievements in a structured and supportive setting.

At Cygnet Raglan House, the programme is designed to empower patients, boost their confidence, and equip them with valuable knowledge for their futures.

Camilla added: “It’s been really interesting for me to learn about how to prepare food properly and how to eat healthily. It’s an important step for me before stepping down to community living.

"It has definitely improved my cooking skills and given me the confidence that I can take care of myself properly when I am discharged.

“I now have a certificate which I can add to my CV and show a potential employer. It will hopefully lead to a bright future for me and my hope is to get a job as a waitress to continue my learning in the food industry.”

Cygnet Raglan House recently held a heart-warming graduation ceremony to celebrate the achievements of patients like Camilla who successfully completed their AQA modules.

“We were made to feel really special at the graduation ceremony,” Camilla said. “They decorated the room beautifully with balloons. It made me realise how big of an achievement it was to gain a qualification. I felt really proud of myself.

"I also feel lucky, because people don’t always have the opportunities which were afforded to me at Raglan House."

Hospital manager Jodie Bowyer spoke of her pride in Camilla and other Cygnet Health Care service users who achieved AQA qualifications.

She said: “The graduation event was really relaxed and celebratory. It was a testament to the dedication and hard work of the individuals who took part in the program, marking an important milestone in their personal and educational journeys.

“The ceremony was a joyous occasion, attended by patients, their families, fellow residents, and staff members, all coming together to acknowledge and applaud the accomplishments of the graduates. The atmosphere was filled with pride and encouragement as each participant received their certificates, symbolising their commitment to personal growth and learning.”