Alan recently had a heart attack, was treated with primary angioplasty and a stent was put in. He is due to start a Cardiac Rehabilitation programme soon. He and his wife think that the quality of care Alan received has been excellent but would have like more information and advice for when going home. Alan walks and goes for a cycle ride every day.

In 2008, and following a heart attack Neil underwent quadruple bypass surgery. Later, he experienced a stroke that he interpreted as a 'wakeup call' and began to make lifestyle changes. He retired from a highly stressful job, gave up smoking and reduced his alcohol intake. He takes medication and uses complementary therapies.

In October 2011, John suffered a heart attack and had primary angioplasty and a stent was fitted in the artery that needed urgent treatment but while in hospital, they fitted a second stent in another blocked artery. Test results show that his heart was only minimally affected by the heart attack. John is full of praise for the level and quality of care he has been receiving on the NHS.

Lorenz is a 50-year-old Black Afro-Caribbean man who has been in the UK since 1966. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia aged 20 and this is now controlled by the anti-psychotic Aripiprazole (10mg daily) enabling Lorenz to work as a social care assistant.

Gary had a 'very disturbed childhood' and was bullied. In his 20s he 'knew something was wrong' but 'couldn't describe it'. He has had many different diagnoses and has been sectioned '3' times. Now he volunteers for a user organisation, has done a course in aromatherapy, and tries to stay well.

John grew up in care homes and found it 'quite tough'. He had his first breakdown in his early 20s, and has had several admissions to hospital. He went to university but didn't complete the course due to an episode of ill-health, and is due to go back to work soon. He has had support from good friends and from his Christian faith.

Tim was first unwell when he was 19 and has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. He has been on Depixol injections for many years, and believes acceptance of his diagnosis, the love of his mother, and religion have all helped him lead a happier life.

Rachel didn't have contact with mental health services until she was 19. Since then she has been to hospital 7 times but now has a direct payments support worker and is monitored more regularly. She now does voluntary work, looks after her son, lives independently and has done an art course.

David feels like he has been involved with mental health services his whole life, and started self-harming aged 14. After being discharged from the army for self-harm, he 'lost his way' and eventually went to prison. Now he is training to be a support worker, has done a degree in applied psychology, and found CBT useful.

When Graham went to university he felt very sad and eventually tried to kill himself. He was subsequently admitted to hospital after an overdose. Later he got married and his life was 'transformed', but he became ill again after the birth of his son. He now works for the Highland User Group and lives by the sea.