I’ll be walking 400 miles along the Portuguese Camino de Santiago in May 2024 to raise money for the Sowenna Appeal, which is a charity that means a lot to me.

Speaking about my past is daunting, but I remember the relief of reading a story similar to mine, so I’m sharing some of my experience in the hope of helping at least one other person feel less alone. Mental heath is being talked about more, but still not enough, and the reality of mental illness is still hidden.

I was first referred to mental health services at 13 years old, and most of my teenage memories are clouded by appointments, hospital visits and missing out on ‘normal’ teenage life. After being diagnosed with anorexia, I was admitted to Sowenna, before being sent to a specialist unit in Hertfordshire. I was very unwell, not yet diagnosed with autism and PTSD, and I experienced things I wouldn’t wish on anyone. My time in hospital was lengthy and miserable, and I often couldn’t see a way out of the self-destructive cycles that had become my normality.

Being miles away from home made this even more challenging - I was isolated from my family, friends and school, which were the few things that gave me hope. This is why Sowenna is so important for young people in Cornwall - no child should have to be sent away from all of their familiarity, especially at such a vulnerable time.

Whilst at Sowenna, the activities provided valuable distraction and I have good memories of baking with the other young people; weekends in the sports barn; group trips to the local woods in the minivan and hours spent in the quiet sensory room. These added 'extras' are so important yet not provided by the NHS. Instead, funds are raised by the Sowenna Appeal to go above and beyond.

Without Sowenna, young people are sent hours away to unfamiliar places without their trusted support systems. I am incredibly lucky that I have a supportive family who could travel despite the distance, even when it meant driving 10 hours every Saturday to sit in a fenced garden for a 30 minute visit surrounded by staff. I also met my best friend, some incredible young people and staff members, who were the light in the darkest of times and I will remember for life - if any of you are reading this, thank you.

A year later, after lots of hard work I returned home and went back to education, which has always been an important part of my life. I finally completed my A Levels with the support of Scott College and got a place at my top University choice. I’m looking forward to starting medical school this September, and fulfilling the dreams that my 14 year old self believed were out of reach. Of course, there is still work to be done - I am working to accept my autism diagnosis and celebrate my quirks - but I am finally living a life that is not consumed by my illnesses. I can go for a walk without staff members, spend time with my cat Dash, go out for spontaneous lunches, be trusted by my family, and even have a shower without someone watching! If anyone reading this has had similar experiences, spending time in mental health units is isolating and scary, but you are not alone and there is a future to look forward to.

Here’s some more information about the Sowenna Appeal:

It is estimated that 1 in 8 young people aged between 5 and 19 have a mental disorder. Most can be treated within the community, but some require a more intensive programme of treatment and care.

Some of Cornwall’s most ill and vulnerable young people have been sent hundreds of miles away from their family and friends to access psychiatric treatment. We are delighted that these young people can now be supported much closer to home at Sowenna, an NHS mental health unit in Bodmin run by Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. The unit provides inpatient treatment for young people aged 13-18.

The Sowenna Appeal is raising money for equipment and therapeutic programmes that go above and beyond what the NHS provides. These will aid activities which will have a positive impact on the health, wellbeing and recovery of children and young people in Cornwall such as sports equipment; therapeutic gardens; art, music and cooking equipment; parental accommodation, a minibus and a visitor cafe.

Thank you for reading!

Rach x