Freedom
- bethanysfightforfr
- Oct 7, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 14, 2023
September 2020 was a special day for Beth as she was finally leaving the family home to spread her wings and live away for university.
"3 years ago I posted the same quote as I sat in the back of a cramped mini bus, eagerly awaiting my trip to Lourdes. I remember how nervous I was as I made my way to the ‘big kids’ section of the bus. We drove for what seemed like an eternity, broke solely by transport change and service station stops. As anticipation sought to grow, fear did too. I had no friends, I knew no students, and it was was my first time staying away from home alone. Everything in me wanted to turn back and to protest against the decision; a decision that today I perceive to be one of the best and most wholesome decisions I’ve ever made!
Now, 3 years on, I’m sat in the back of a cramped car, eagerly awaiting my trip to university. There’s no ‘big kids’ section as before, and I’m almost entirely encompassed by bin bags and storage boxes. I’m scared. I’m scared but I’m excited. To carry on with such a long standing passion of mine, it’s incredible, and I’m beyond excited to foster that passion and to reignite my love for it once more☀️. Lincoln is such a beautiful city and I know that, all reservations aside, I’m going to love it here. So, now that the countdown’s officially stopped, let the adventure begin! X"
As a parent, I was feeling apprehensive, worried happy but most of all; proud.
Unfortunately, Beth started university during Covid and lockdown so did not have freshers week, which would have been a great time to connect with others and find her tribe.
Her family helped her move into uni halls of residence, only one adult with Beth, with mask could help her move her things to her accommodation. This was not the best start but Beth was feeling positive and wanted to prove that she was grown up and independent.
We left Beth, feeling a multitude of feelings and concerns; how will she navigate her way around Uni? how would she manage to go shopping? how would she manage to wash her clothes? how would she manage to use the shared areas? These were genuine concerns as previous to this, Beth didnt really leave the family home and had a few years of poor mental health, no friendship groups and little exposure to social situations as home was her safe place.
Let down by CAMHS, who only diagnosed but did not work with the family or Beth as they stated :
We can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped
This was due to Beth's social anxieties with speaking to new people, so she wouldn't go to appointments or would be non verbal if they visited the family home. They would then sign her off until the next episode. When Beth turned 18, there was no handover or communication from CAMHS to state that she was no longer under children's services or given any details of who adult services were or any contact details.
Please share, sign and click the email link
Commenti