Live your life

Welcome to 'Live Your life,' where we share stories of recovery and personal growth at Priory.

Discover these inspirational accounts, and learn how we have helped the people we support to achieve their goals and live their lives to the fullest.

Video stories: recovery in their words

Larry's addiction recovery
Martina's depression recovery
Kate's story of mental health recovery
Anne and Jodie's addiction recovery
Patrick's mental health recovery
Simone's eating disorder recovery
Living with an eating disorder: Charlie's story
Addiction recovery - in their words
David's addiction recovery

Mental health stories

Discover the inspirational people who have struggled with their mental health and turned their lives around.

My experience with depression and treatment

Adam discusses his experience with depression and how treatment changed his life...

Postnatal depression - my story

Discover Martina's brave recovery journey after she was diagnosed with postnatal depression and admitted to Priory Hospital Roehampton.

Don’t suffer in silence

Peter, a former patient at Priory Hospital Altrincham, tells us about his recovery from depression.

Turning my life around

Follow Patrick's recovery story as he's diagnosed with depression, before receiving treatment at Priory Hospital Altrincham.

Living with OCD

Mary shares what it's like living with OCD by taking you through a typical day in the life of someone with the condition.

Social media and body image

Eva shares her experience with body image and social media, and how the programme at Arthur House has helped her start to re-focus her thinking.

Louise's therapy story

Louise has shared her story about online therapy with Sandra, a Priory therapist, who helped Louise to overcome her mental health struggles.

Skills for life

Former mental health treatment client at Priory Hospital Woking discusses the support she received and her experiences as an outpatient.

I am important too

Caroline, a former client at Priory Hospital Ticehurst House, discusses the support she received and the positive impact it’s had on her life.

By taking life one day at a time, I am rebuilding relationships with my family, forging new friendships and can now look ahead with hope.

I will always be grateful to the Priory team. When I believed I was utterly lost and broken, they guided me into recovery and towards the future that I now believe I deserve.

Former patient Priory Hospital Altrincham

Addiction stories

Read the remarkable recovery stories of former Priory patients, talking about how they overcame addiction and built a better future for themselves and their families.

A life in addiction recovery

Listen to a number of inspirational recovery stories from those who have successfully overcome their challenges with addiction with Priory.

I'd drink as soon as I woke up

Listen to a former patient from Life Works, as their perception of alcoholism is transformed after going through our addiction treatment programme.

Why is aftercare important?

An insight into the aftercare programme – a former patient at Priory shares their journey through recovery.

Leaving drugs and drink behind

An insight into the addiction treatment programme at Priory Hospital Altrincham – a former patient shares their story.

My alcohol addiction recovery journey

A former patient of Priory Hospital Altrincham shares their story of living in the depths of addiction, going through treatment at Priory and regaining hope and happiness in their life.

From client to peer supporter

My role as a peer supporter is, without doubt, the most important element of my ongoing recovery.

Receiving support for alcoholism

Michelle shares her story of recovery from alcohol addiction. She talks about her attempts to control her drinking and how Priory gave her new strategies to manage both her emotions and life’s struggles.

The role of a peer supporter

Learn more about the role of peer supporter with this detailed account from someone who has recovered from addiction and now helps others on that path.

In denial about my addiction

A former patient at Priory tells how truly grateful they are to Priory for saving their life and showing them that recovery is possible.

Recovering from alcohol addiction

David shares his story of recovery from alcohol addiction, sex and love addiction, and unresolved childhood trauma. He reveals how Priory allowed him to gain a better understanding of his addiction.

Getting clean and sober

Former addiction treatment client at Priory Hospital Woking discusses the support he received and how his life has improved since he’s been clean and sober.

What recovery means to me

Former addiction treatment client at Priory Hospital Woking discusses the support he received and how his life has improved since he’s been clean and sober.

A fantastic experience

Former addiction treatment client at Priory Hospital Glasgow discusses the support he received and the positive experience he had at Priory.

Giving something back

Former addiction treatment client at Life Works discusses the support he received and how he’s using his experience to help others.

Eating disorder stories

Hear the incredible recovery stories of people who have struggled with an eating disorder and regained control of their lives.

Callum's eating disorder recovery story

Discover Callum's inspiring journey as he battled anorexia at a key part of his life, including his experiences as an inpatient at Life Works.

Our daughter’s eating disorder

Hear a story of eating disorder recovery from a parent's perspective, as they share the transition they saw in their daughter after successful treatment with Priory.

Invaluable support for eating disorders

Discover Megan's eating disorder recovery journey, as she outlines how the help and support she received has been invaluable to her recovery and helped to save her life.

Social media and body image

Eva shares her experience with body image and social media, and how the programme at Arthur House has helped her start to re-focus her thinking.

My battle with anorexia and bulimia nervosa

Jane has chosen to speak out about her personal battle with anorexia and bulimia nervosa, hoping to give encouragement to other people who may be struggling.

NHS patient stories

Follow the incredible stories of recovery from people we've treated in our NHS services.

Will's pathway story - Priory Highbank Centre to The Elton Unit

Following a road accident, Will underwent active rehabilitation at Priory Highbank Centre, before stepping down to The Elton Unit.

My journey at Middleton St George

From failed placements to living independently - thanks to Priory Middleton St George.

Wayne’s story - Priory Kemple View

Follow Wayne and his story of recovery from Priory Hospital Kemple View in Blackburn, where I received support for controlling his anger.

Dmitry's story - successful discharges at Solihull

Hear about a patient who came to Solihull with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, severe anxiety, and struggled to keep himself safe, and is now being discharged back into the community

Jenny's story - Priory Hospital Burgess Hill

Discover Jenny's story of recovery from difficulties with mental health and addiction at Priory Hospital Burgess Hill.

Toby's story - Priory Hospital Newbury

Follow Toby's stay at Priory Hospital Newbury, where he received medical and psychotherapeutic treatments.

James' story - Bespoke Therapeutic Placements for adults

Follow James' journey through his bespoke therapeutic placement at Priory Hospital Mildmay Oaks.

Andrew’s story - Priory Elm Park

Follow Andrew's story of recovery from Priory Elm Park, where he was first admitted in 2017 with an ABI.

A parent’s message of gratitude

Read a story of recovery from the perspective of a parent who's daughter received "gold-standard" care for her eating disorder at the Priory Hospital Marlow.

David's story - Priory Newcombe Lodge

In his own words, David shares his treatment journey after receiving rehabilitation and transitional care at Priory Newcombe Lodge

Suzie’s treatment journey - Priory Richmond House

Join Suzanne as she reveals her experiences during treatment at Priory Richmond House.

Amy’s story of hope and recovery

Discover Amy's inspirational story from admittance to Althea Park House to working and living independently.

David's story - adult services at Highbank

Learn about Highbank's adult services by reading David's story

Listen to some of our incredible stories

Their words, their experiences.

Hear from our patients

Watch our short video to hear more incredible stories of recovery, and how we strive to help the people we support.

"It's been a really positive step for me. I feel good; I can cook my own food; I clean... everything is in a really nice place."

Former patient

Alan's story

Alan is a former patient who used to be sectioned at Kemple View.

There was a time when Alan worried that he would never live a life he dreamt of, however he is now an expert by lived experience for Priory, supporting patients and staff alike. Here, he discusses his experiences, and says he owes his life to the hospital.

"I owe my life to the hospital, to everything I have."

Alan

I am now living independently in the community, working in a job that I love and I have been discharged from mental health services; all of these things would never have been possible if not for my admission to Althea Park House.

Amy, former patient Priory Althea Park House

Residential stories

Hear the incredible stories from the residents of Priory's residential services, striving to live their lives to the fullest.

Miles's story - Ebbsfleet House

Miles is a young autistic man with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a learning disability, pica and sensory processing difficulties. See how Miles getting on in a bespoke flat at Ebbsfleet House as part of our residential services.

Julie's transition story - Apple Mews

Julie is an autistic woman who also has a learning disability and Tourette’s syndrome. She came to live at Apple Mews after a structured transition from a secure hospital.

Beverley's story - a positive transition to The Lodge

Beverley* has a learning disability and also suffers with schizoaffective disorder. She moved to The Lodge having been previously placed in an elderly care home for people in their 50s, which was not suitable for her needs. Read her full story.

Mark's story - Bowden Lodge

Mark came to live at Bowden Lodge after struggling with his mental health and his alcohol use. Hear about his story and the positive outcomes he has achieved.

Tom's story - Bedborough House

Tom is an autistic man, who also has a learning disability and epilepsy. Despite living at Bedborough House for a number of years, back in 2021 Tom began exhibiting more behaviours of concern.

John's story - Millburn

John has a diagnosis of a learning disability and schizophrenia. He came to Millburn after spending several years in hospital due to a significant decline in his mental health.

Millie's story - Eastrop House

Millie is autistic and has a learning disability and epilepsy. She transitioned to an adult placement at Priory Eastrop House from a residential school setting.

Jade's story - The Lawrence

Jade came to live at The Lawrence in 2020, feeling shy and uncertain. Since then, Jade has been supported to make positive changes to her lifestyle, become more independent, and find new passions.

Tommy's story - Kirklea

The team at Kirklea have recently developed a bespoke self-contained flat for Tommy, a gentleman who has a learning disability.

Brendan's story - Riddrie House

Brendan stepped down to Riddrie House from a hospital setting, after experiencing difficulties with his schizophrenia. After developing his skills at the home, he has since moved on to more independent living.

Roy's story - Yew Tree Lodge

Roy has a diagnosis of schizophrenia. After spending some time in hospital receiving treatment, Roy came to Yew Tree Lodge, where he is now working towards a greater level of independence.

Neil's pathway story - Riverbank to Priory Supported Living Hull

Neil came to Riverbank from a secure forensic service. After developing greater independence, and has since moved on to his own flat in supported living.

Tim's story - Egerton Road

Tim developed an acquired brain injury (ABI) after undergoing surgery to remove an aneurysm. He came to live at Egerton Road, where he has been supported to regain some independence.

Carina's story - Grafton Manor

Carina came to Grafton Manor after sustaining an acquired brain injury (ABI). Since then, she has focused on developing her independence at the home.

A grandparent's story - Bishops Corner

Grandparent's of a resident at Bishop's corner who was struggling with his mental health, share their story.

Supported living stories

Hear from the tenants of Priory's supported living services, outlining the progress they're making in their lives.

Chris's story - Millburn to Supported Living Scotland

Chris is a young man with a learning disability, who had experienced a difficult life before coming to Millburn. He has now moved on to live in his own flat in the community, and has achieved great success in gaining his first job.

Anthony’s step-down story - Riverbank to Supported Living Hull

Anthony came to Priory as a resident at Riverbank, one of Priory’s residential services in Hull. He has since progressed in his pathway and is now a tenant at Suttonv House, a Priory Supported Living Hull & East Riding service.

Rachael's story - Supported Living Kent

Rachael lives at one of our Priory Supported Living Kent services, where she has her own flat and tenancy with a housing provider. When Rachael’s needs changed, her care team worked to find solutions to enhance her quality of life.

Neil's pathway story - Riverbank to Priory Supported Living Hull

Neil came to Riverbank from a secure forensic service. After developing greater independence, and has since moved on to his own flat in supported living.

Read our latest blog articles

For tips, explainers and more on mental health, addictions and eating disorders, our blog contains a wealth of information to help you improve your wellbeing.

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