Supported Accommodation provides long-term recovery for people with severe and enduring mental health problems. Emma first moved into the service three years ago, and found herself struggling to trust other people.

When I first came to stay, I was angry. I didn’t talk to anyone. I didn’t want to even stay inside the house. I had come from an awful experience at another care home, and I just didn’t want to live anymore.

I couldn’t do a lot of things, like doing the dishes, but the staff slowly helped me trust again. When I was struggling, [one of my support workers] Caroline was always there and showed she genuinely cared about me.

The staff were open and honest which is what I needed. They’ve helped me with everything from getting dressed to making sure I was brushing my teeth every day.

“I’ve learned that there’s good people in the world. There are caring people, and I can trust them.”

“When we were in the summer house, one of the staff members Tracey stayed behind after her shift to support me. This was one of the first times where I felt like I could truly trust the team here."

While with SAMH, Emma opened up that she wanted to live life as a woman – a decision she had been thinking about for years.

“I had a dream where nobody would treat me differently if I was a woman. I told the team how I felt, who then supported me, and another resident gave me a big hug after I told them.

“After becoming a woman, I wasn’t sure how other people would react. I got so anxious walking about the house, wondering what they would think, but everyone treated me so well. Everybody in the staff team and at the service accepts me for who I am.

I feel like I can finally act like myself and not be judged.”

Tracey, part of the SAMH’s team, has shared how immensely proud the service is of Emma’s progress.

“Emma is a really brave, courageous woman. When Emma first came, it was obvious she didn’t want to stay here or engage. Since then, we’ve seen a huge difference and she’s now living as her true self.

“She’s managed to get on public transport and get into a taxi by herself, which is a huge accomplishment. She’s also completed a healthy relationships course, which is another massive achievement.”

Emma is now happy and looking forward to the future, with the support of the team.

“I didn’t feel like I had any real friends before moving here. While I struggled to trust people at first, the other residents are now my closest friends. They’re so important to me, and I really appreciate having them all in my life.”

“I love everything about here. It’s the best place in the planet. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

“I’ve learned so much. It’s sometimes just small things, but they’re big for me."