Dennis' recovery pathway to independence

At CHT, we support around 100 people each year experiencing acute and prolonged mental distress, often stemming from the impact of compound trauma. For many, like Dennis*, this trauma started in early childhood. ​Read about Dennis’ story below, and his transformative recovery journey during his time with us.

Dennis had a difficult start in life, growing up in poverty in east London without a safe space to play or express himself. His mother struggled with substance use, and when Dennis was just seven years old, he was placed in foster care. His turbulent home life and lack of stability meant that Dennis was unable to form those critical early attachments to caregivers that all children need to thrive. Dennis struggled to fit in at school, and as he grew older, he felt more isolated and struggled to regulate his emotions safely. He felt like no one could help him, and he found himself prone to aggressive outbursts and risky behaviours that put himself and others in danger.

Dennis was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and ADHD when he was 18. By the time he arrived at CHT in 2021, he had been in and out of prison and hospitals, with every placement breakdown intensifying his feelings of isolation and being unable to be helped. 

"For the first time I felt listened to and wanted"

On arrival at Highams Lodge, Dennis met his key worker and therapeutic practitioner, who welcomed him into the community. Over the next few months, they got to know each other and worked together to create a recovery plan, which Dennis told us helped him feel 'listened to and wanted'. Having clear boundaries and a caring team with him in the happy moments, and moments of distress, helped create a feeling of containment, supporting Dennis in managing his emotions and thinking through strategies to reduce impulsive behaviours.

Through regular one-on-one psychotherapy sessions and support from his keyworker, Dennis discovered his self-worth and saw that he had a lot to offer. His confidence grew, and he started regularly participating in psychosocial and reflective groups as well as supporting newer residents in settling in. He also joined the CHT fundraising committee, sharing ideas for activities across the whole organisation.

In 2023, Dennis moved into one of our self-contained move-on flats at Fairhall Court and adopted a rescue cat named Alfie. He told us he values seeing the other residents regularly at community meetings but having a new level of autonomy feels incredibly powerful after spending so long in hospitals with limited independence. He continues with one-to-one psychotherapy on-site, and his care team have noticed a big difference in his confidence as he participates in more activities independently, including learning karate with a local club.  

If you would like to make a referral to CHT, or to find out more about the referral process -  visit our referrals page.

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*Dennis' story is a composite case study, which combines the details from several residents and their experiences in our communities to create a single, representative story that does not disclose personal information or compromise the privacy of our residents.