Response resident opens up about managing his illness

Anthony Alce (78) is one of more than 600,000 people in the UK to have received a schizophrenia diagnosis which he manages through antipyschotic medication. He requires around-the-clock care and support to manage his illness and has opened up about the condition to mark World Mental Health Day.

Anthony moved into our specialist care home, Iris Hayter House, in 2020 to help him live independently while also managing several physical health challenges.

As a result of his mobility issues, Anthony relies on our staff’s support and carefully planned journeys to live a life outside of Iris Hayter House.

This support extends to delivering activities such as piano, guitar and singing sessions, bingo and badminton – all of which Anthony says helped him create new friendships with residents and those outside the care home.

Now, he hopes to tick off the missing piece of his bucket list by attending a Taylor Swift concert in London where he grew up.

“The support I receive at Iris Hayter House is great”, said Anthony.

“Being here has reduced my feelings of loneliness because I’m surrounded by likeminded and supportive people.”

“Mobility can be an issue but Response provided me with as much support as possible. This year, we even went to Hayling Island for a holiday which was great fun.”

“There is one thing I want to do still, though – to see a Taylor Swift concert. I think she’s great! I love singing and playing the piano too, Waterloo by ABBA is my favourite song.”

“All of the above helps create a great environment for us to live in.”

Anthony is one of more than 300 adults living in supported accommodation provided by Response to enable people experiencing mental health challenges and complex needs to live their lives to the full.

We operate across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire to help reduce financial and physical pressures on public services, including the NHS.

Our team is marking World Mental Health Day by celebrating the positive stories and outcomes of residents and our work in partnership with other organisations (for example the Oxfordshire Mental Health Partnership) to provide access to mental health support and housing.

Our CEO, Nicola Leavesley, and Chair of the Oxfordshire Mental Health Partnership, added: “The number of people in the UK seeking support for thier mental health is at an all-time high.”

“Approximately one in four adults in the UK experience a mental health challenge every year.”

“It’s a statistic we’re working hard to address by collaborating with specialist mental health organisations like Response to improve the lives of those living with mental health challenges.

“Anthony’s story is a shining example of how certain illnesses can be manages with the right care and support. We are so pleased he has discovered a new purpose in life, and maybe one day we can make his Taylor Swift dream a reality!”