"When I skype, it’s as if I’m at home with them"

I can’t wait until Sunday at 2pm. I will be sat in our IT room wondering what room they’ll be in, will they still be eating lunch, what will be on their TV. Where’s their German shepherd with the floppy ears he never grew into!

It’s ringing… but this is no ordinary call, this is Skype. I’ve recently transferred from high secure care to Arnold lodge and so far my experience has been totally positive. I have never used Skype in my life so all this tech is new to me.

Now once a week I spend a 30 minute Skype session to see my family and every time it’s just amazing. When I have normal visits, we sit and chat. When I skype, it’s as if I’m at home with them. They take me round the house with them, my brother will come with news of his day whilst sat with my parents on their sofa, and one day the dog might realise that I’m calling his name from the computer and not from behind it bless him!

The whole experience leaves me feeling great. My face aches from smiling for a whole ½ hour. I definitely recommend it to other patients and other secure establishments to use this technology because it is so rewarding and actually makes a difference.