Giving Back with Purpose: Chloe’s Becklin Centre Donations

Chloe, a former service user at the Becklin Centre, has turned her recovery journey into a mission to support others. Last year, Chloe coordinated a generous donation of over 200 self-care items to the Acute Inpatient Service at the Trust.

Chloe’s Journey to Recovery

I was first admitted to the Becklin Centre in 2019 due to personal struggles with mental health and trauma. Since then, I’ve had multiple admissions to help manage crises and support me through difficult times.

Recovery hasn’t been simple, but I take each day as it comes. Being on the right medication and having support has helped me reach a place where I can manage more independently. I’m not fully recovered, but I’ve made progress, marking almost a year without any admissions.

The staff at the Becklin Centre have supported me in maintaining my progress, involving me in decisions about my care, and helping me develop skills to cope during difficult times.

Finding Purpose Through Pageants

In 2024, I began participating in pageants, which sparked a passion for community support and creating a platform for awareness. I wanted to show that recovery is possible and decided to collect and donate items to support other service users from diverse backgrounds.

The Power of Self-Care

Self-care has been vital in my own recovery, and I felt strongly that others should have access to it too. I donated over 200 items, including shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, deodorant, sanitary products, wash cloths, sponges, and lip balms, because I believe everyone should have the option to care for themselves, especially those without family support.

These items meant a lot to me during my inpatient stays, helping me feel more independent and empowered. As a young person on the ward, it was especially difficult when essential items like sanitary products weren’t always available.

A Message of Hope

I hope these donations support service users who may not have access to basic items and inspire both individuals and the wider community to offer help. I also hope they empower people to ask for what they need and take positive steps in their recovery.

My message to others going through similar experiences is don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Recovery takes time, and it’s okay if your path looks different. Reach out for support, help is there.

Looking Ahead

It feels good to give back to a place that’s been such a big part of my journey. It reminds me how far I’ve come and motivates me to show others that recovery is possible.

Looking ahead, I plan to explore volunteering roles at the Becklin Centre and continue raising mental health awareness through my platform, where I create awareness videos and self-care parcels. I also hope to do more collections through my pageant journey to support Becklin and other Leeds mental health services.

A Message from Matron Paula

On behalf of the Acute Inpatient Service, I would like to express our gratitude and sincere thanks for the generous donations Chloe has brought in.

It meant a great deal to the Team that she took the time to coordinate this and had us in her thoughts. The patients on all our inpatient wards will make good use of these items.

Thank you once again. The team reflected to me how wonderful it was to hear about Chloe’s recovery and continued success.

Matron Paula

Conclusion: A Ripple Effect of Recovery

Chloe’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery is not only possible, it can become a platform for change. Her journey from inpatient care to community advocate shows how lived experience can inspire hope, dignity, and empowerment for others. Through her donations and advocacy, Chloe is helping to build a more compassionate and supportive environment for those still on their path to healing.