An individual being cared for at Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke has been shortlisted for a prestigious National Lived Experience Award in recognition of her inspiring contribution to the hospital’s Recovery College Café.
Georgina, known affectionately as “G”, has been nominated in the Outstanding Leadership category for her role in helping to run the café, a therapeutic space that has become central to life at the hospital since opening in January 2024.
The café operates six days a week, staffed by service users who gain valuable skills and confidence while supporting others. G has been a key figure in its growth, volunteering her time daily, helping to manage stock, advocating for more inclusive payment options, and ensuring the café is a welcoming space for all.
G, 25, was admitted to Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke after being diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD) and anorexia. She explained how the opportunity in the cafe has transformed her confidence and recovery.
She said: “When I first started working in the café I was extremely anxious in different areas of the job role. I couldn’t make hot drinks as I was scared of the heat. I struggled with socialising with everyone and found touching certain things difficult because of my obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).”
But with support, determination and practice, she overcame those barriers.
“I’m proud to say I have overcome these challenges,” she added. “I now make hot drinks as and when needed, I enjoy speaking to customers and colleagues and my OCD struggles have reduced massively.”
G says the role has brought meaning and purpose to her life.
“I have found more purpose in my life and it’s opened so many doors for me, given me lots of opportunities and I’ve seen so much personal growth in myself, thanks to being given this chance to do this amazing job. My social skills especially have improved incredibly, I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity to become more confident, believe more in myself and learn more about what I want to do with my life.”
Her involvement in the café continues to be a key part of her recovery.
“I never would have thought this change was possible and I’m hoping with my whole heart the café will continue to take me far. This job means so much to me and I hope to continue along my journey of personal growth and helping people, these two things are really important to me.
“These days you can throw me in any situation in the café and I’ll deal with it to the best of my ability, I’m so passionate and eager to help the patients while hopefully bringing a smile to their faces whether it’s by getting them a nice drink, snack or having a chat with them.”
She added: “It definitely makes my day. I always manage better on café days, my shifts are so beneficial to my mental health. It’s taught me so many valuable life lessons and skills. I feel so blessed and thankful to have been given this job as I navigate myself through my recovery journey. I know this will continue to be a key part of my recovery and I can’t wait to see how much further it takes me. I hope my story can inspire others to make steps towards their recovery goals too as I believe these therapeutic job roles can really make a difference.”
Staff at Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke have praised her dedication. The hospital’s manager, Josh Tapp, said: “It has been a pleasure to work alongside G. The growth she has shown in her barista skills and her customer service has been remarkable. Her passion is one of the main reasons we’ve been able to keep the café open six days a week. G should be very proud of the positive impact her commitment has had on the lives of service users here at Kewstoke.”
The National Lived Experience Awards, founded in 2013, celebrate the achievements of people with lived experience of mental health, learning disability and autism services. This year’s ceremony will take place on 23rd September at Colwick Hall, Nottingham, with winners announced on the night.
Josh added: “We are thrilled that G’s hard work has been recognised at a national level. She is an inspiration to us all.”
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