Jacob’s Fight for Recovery & Accountability

Help Jacob Recover: Gym, Healing Break & Legal Justice After NHS Neglect

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My Story:

Hi, my name is Jacob Robertson. I’m 18 years old and currently hospitalised at Cefn Coed Hospital in Swansea after a devastating few months in which my mental health has been shattered—not just by illness, but by the very system that was supposed to help me.

On February 11, 2025, I was admitted to Ward F at Swansea Bay University Health Board following a serious suicide attempt. I remained there until April 23, when I was transferred to Cefn Coed. I have been diagnosed with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), PTSD, and Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)—and despite my high level of need, I have still not been provided with essential therapies like DBT, a full-time care coordinator, or a support worker.

But worse than the lack of support was what I went through on the ward.

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What Happened on Ward F:

Instead of receiving care, I experienced serious negligence, trauma, and emotional abuse that led to repeated suicide attempts, worsening mental health, and ongoing PTSD symptoms:

I nearly died after eating Brazil nuts I’m severely allergic to, which were delivered to me through Just Eat—despite staff knowing about my allergy. This was a suicide attempt triggered by extreme distress, but it was preventable had staff checked the delivery, as they were supposed to.

I escaped the ward through an open door and window during a suicidal crisis. I was only found thanks to police. Again, basic protocols weren’t followed.

I used an unsecured wardrobe in my room to attempt suicide. Staff were aware and still left the furniture in place.

I was repeatedly dismissed by staff while in deep emotional crisis. A nurse, Stephanie Williams, denied me prescribed medication (lorazepam) because I was "rude." I was told I “wasn’t anxious enough” despite being visibly agitated. I then tried to jump the ward fence in a suicide attempt.

Stephanie later falsely accused my mother of aggression and lied about my medication to both of us. Police body cam footage later contradicted her version of events—but by then the damage was done.

My psychiatrist, Dr. Robertson, told me during a crisis that “you could kill yourself and not get any help”, and that she would “look into making you homeless.” She also said, *“we predicted you’d be back” after a leave-related suicide attempt—one that happened because I was sent home with no support in place. These words haunt me and caused immense harm.

I was told misleading, false information during my mental health assessments—such as that being sectioned would stop me becoming a pharmacist. This made me too afraid to be honest and contributed to another suicide attempt.

I was left to sit for days on the ward with no meaningful support or therapy, watching my mental health spiral. Staff barely spoke to me, and when they did, I felt more like a burden than a patient. I often sat alone in the day room, feeling invisible and hopeless.

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The Impact:

All of this has left me emotionally and physically drained. My life has been put on hold. I was once thriving—studying A-Levels at Olchfa Sixth Form, working part-time, and holding university offers for Pharmacy. I should be going to prom this year with my peers. Instead, I’m in a psychiatric hospital, still fighting for basic care.

I’ve made multiple suicide attempts this year—most of them while under the supposed protection of NHS mental health services.

I’ve been failed. And I’ve had to fight every step of the way just to survive.

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### Why I Need Help Now:

I’m fundraising to give myself a fair chance at healing, and to seek justice for what I went through:

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1. A Gym Membership (£360–£500/year)

Exercise and routine help me manage my mental health and emotions. The gym is a place where I feel stronger, more confident, and calmer. It’s vital for my long-term recovery.

2. A Short Break Away (£250–£400)

Being stuck inside hospital walls for months has been traumatising. A short trip—somewhere calm and safe with family—will help me reconnect with life, nature, and hope.

3. Legal Support (£1,000+)

I’m pursuing formal complaints and may need legal representation to hold the health board accountable. This includes getting access to my full medical records, legal consultations, and representation if needed. I’ve already submitted a complaint, but I know legal support will help me be taken seriously and protect others like me in future.

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### ✊ Why This Matters:

This isn’t just about me.

It’s about every young person being failed by a broken mental health system.

It’s about making sure what happened to me never happens to someone else.

Your donation—whether it’s £5 or £50—will help me feel safe, supported, and seen. It will allow me to take steps towards healing and justice. If you can’t donate, please share this campaign to help raise awareness.

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Thank you to everyone who’s supported me—my family, friends, and those who are listening to my story. Your kindness is what gives me the strength to keep going.

With hope,

Jacob Robertson

(Swansea, Age 18)