• Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

North East Connected

Hopping Across The North East From Hub To Hub

CaptureAfter three years spent living in the dark too paranoid to leave the house during the day, Karl Cook’s star is on the rise.

For Karl, from South Shields, has successfully battled his paranoia and drink and drug problems to be named the winner of a lifetime achievement award at a moving ceremony in Gosforth hosted by housing provider Isos.

The eighth annual Star Awards, held at the Marriott Hotel, recognised the achievements Isos service users have made on their journey to better mental health.

The event was also an opportunity to thank the people who have worked alongside them as they have turned their lives around.

Organised by the company’s Supported Housing Operations team, the awards honoured nine winners in categories ranging from the good neighbour award to outstanding achievement.

Lifetime achievement winner Karl was too paranoid to leave the house when his social worker got in touch with Isos. He would spend his days in a darkened room with the curtains drawn, only occasionally venturing out when it was dark, or in the early hours of the morning when no-one was around. He also felt compelled to wear sunglasses if he went outside.

Now, thanks to a programme of support from Isos, Karl has developed the confidence to go out and enjoy life and no longer relies on drugs or alcohol.

He said: “I know people are there for me now and that’s made all the difference.

“Winning this award has been unreal; I’ve never won anything like this before in my life.”

Julia Garrod, who won the outstanding achievement award, also withdrew from the world as she struggled with trust issues with people. It was meeting her Isos support worker Olinda Kimpolo that helped her transform her life.

She said: “I’d just moved into an Isos supported property when I met Olinda. We connected really well; it was like she instinctively understood and cared and she has encouraged me and motivated me to do things.”

Julia has gone on to volunteer at her local MIND charity shop and now hopes to train as a support worker herself.

She was also nominated for making a positive contribution, but that award went to Simon Hicks who, despite his own difficulties, is a member of two peer support groups and has worked with Healthwatch, the consumer champion for health and social care, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists in a bid to help others.

Simon said: “I was a winner the minute I walked through the door. My doctor and my support worker Lara Ellis planted the seeds and I made them grow.”

Tiny Drury, executive director for Customers and Communities at Isos, said: “The Star Awards are always a very uplifting and humbling experience as you listen to the moving stories of how people have struggled and succeeded in dealing with their mental health issues.

“These are stories that remain with you for some time – amazing stories about amazing people.”

By admin