I’m Dwain, and I’ve been living at Oakland House for a while now. I suffer with psychosis, but my symptoms are under control with medication. Life hasn’t been easy for me. Growing up I lacked the stability I needed which had an impact on more than just my mental health.
At Oakland House, I have the freedom to come and go as I please, with my own pass to enter and leave as I like. The team here helps me to consider the impacts of my choices, and I’m learning to make some better decisions. I’m getting to a point where I’m ready to move on, and we all believe I’m almost there.
One of my favourite things is fixing and creating stuff. I enjoy working with my hands, and here, I’ve got monitored access to an onsite shed where I store parts I find around the community. I’ve been building my own bikes and selling things on, it keeps me busy and gives me some focus.
The team at Oakland House support me in many ways, not just with my mental health, but by making me feel included, having people to talk to or giving me the space and freedom I want. It’s a place where I get to be myself.
Recently, they’ve been looking into courses in the community I can join. I’m still in the process of finding a course I’ll enjoy and stick at, but it seems alright with classes from arts and crafts through to technology, bike maintenance and even help with creating a CV and finding a job.
I’m making more than just bikes thanks to Oakland House—I’m building a future for myself to live independently.
Oakland House has been a great place for me, but I know there’s more out there for me to do. Whatever happens, I’m ready for it.