Inspired by the care she received, former patient achieves first-class degree
Seven years ago, Evie Newman, from South Nottinghamshire, was discharged from Hopewood, a purpose-built facility for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Perinatal Services, run by Nottinghamshire Healthcare, after struggling with an eating disorder. Whilst there she experienced first-hand the profound impact that compassionate professionals can have during some of the most difficult moments in a person's life.
She set herself a long-term goal of working in a therapeutic role within secure inpatient settings, hoping to one day provide that same support to others.
She recently completed her first step towards that aim, graduating with a first-class degree in psychology from Newcastle University.
When Evie was in year 9, she began suffering from Anorexia. By Year 10, her physical and mental health had declined rapidly, leading to several months in a general hospital before she was moved to the Pegasus Ward of Hopewood.
Evie said: I spent about six months at Hopewood before being discharged, and the care I received undoubtedly contributed to my complete eating disorder recovery.
Although a psychiatric unit is a scary place for any teenager to be, Hopewood did its best to be a place of support and recovery. It was the staff members who clearly cared for the patients who made the most profound difference. While I struggle to remember everyone's names now, I vividly remember Fed (affectionally nicknamed 'Feddy-bear' by patients), a bank member of staff who regularly worked night shifts. Even though I was incredibly quiet and reserved, he always made me feel seen and cared for. I also have distinct memories of a staff member who called everybody 'ducky'. It might seem inconsequential, but the friendly gesture brought smiles to an otherwise unsmiling situation.
Additionally, the fantastic on-site school allowed me to continue my studies and rebuilt my confidence as I reintegrated into mainstream school prior to my discharge.
Whilst Hopewood had its flaws, as any institution does, there was a powerful sense that the majority of the people working there genuinely cared for the patients and wished the best for them. For the first time, I felt as though I wasn't alone in my struggle, and that a meaningful difference could actually be made. For me, the ultimate turning point came when a member of staff realised that I thrived on routine. They worked with me to create a day-by-day schedule that built up my compliance with my meal plan. Their insight made perfect sense when I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder several years later.
It wasn't a quick overnight success story for Evie. Hopewood gave her the essential building blocks for her eating disorder recovery, but overcoming it revealed underlying struggles with depression and anxiety.
However, she took forward her newfound hope that she had the strength to recover. She persisted into sixth form, despite ongoing struggles with suicidal ideation and panic attacks, and went on to achieve 4 A*s.
Evie continued: Given what I went through, I decided that I wanted to one day to offer the same help that Hopewood offered to me, ideally as a clinical psychologist. It is still the early stages of that journey, but I'm really excited to start my Forensic Psychology and Mental Health MSc, the next step to reaching my goal.
Joseph Sullivan, Care Group Director, Mental Health:
"Evie's story is a powerful reminder of why compassionate, person-centred care matters. Every colleague hopes the support they provide will make a lasting difference, and it's great to hear how our teams helped Evie on her recovery journey.
"It takes enormous determination to overcome the challenges Evie has faced, and her academic achievements are truly inspiring. We wish her every success for the future."
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