January 5th 2025.
Seven years ago, Ryan Goodenough's life was transformed in a tragic and unexpected way. At the young age of 21, he had just started his new job as a Secure Care Officer at a facility for young people in Milton Keynes. However, he was soon faced with a life-changing event that would leave him with permanent brain damage.
It all happened during an outdoor activity where Ryan was left alone to supervise a group of boys. In a matter of minutes, he was severely assaulted by the boys, resulting in a three-week coma and permanent brain damage. Despite the challenges and struggles he has faced since then, Ryan believes that this experience has given him a renewed sense of purpose and has shaped him into the man he is today.
Reflecting on the incident, Ryan recalls the tension and unease that was present at the Oakhill Secure Training Centre that day. He had only been working there for three months before the attack occurred. He was asked to supervise the central section of the unit, but it soon became clear that the boys were unsettled and distressed. In an attempt to calm the situation, Ryan took six boys outside for a game of football. However, with a ratio of one staff member to every three boys, he was left to manage the escalating situation on his own.
As the boys became more agitated, Ryan found himself in a dangerous and vulnerable position. Despite calling for backup, no one came to his aid. He was left alone to face the group of boys who eventually attacked him, resulting in severe injuries. Ryan vividly remembers the first punch landing at 6:33 pm and the attack lasting for over five minutes until other staff members finally arrived. In a final blow, one of the boys even struck him on the head with a radio.
The extent of Ryan's injuries was so severe that he spent three and a half weeks in a coma. When he finally regained consciousness, he was transferred to Oakleaf Rehabilitation Centre in Northamptonshire, where he received treatment for his brain damage. The road to recovery was long and challenging for Ryan, as he struggled to regain motor skills and adjust to life with a brain injury. But through it all, he remained positive and determined to make the most out of his second chance at life.
During his time in the hospital, Ryan was struck by how life continued on for everyone else despite his own struggles. This realization made him appreciate the value of time and the importance of cherishing every moment. As he slowly regained his strength, Ryan also became involved in charity work, becoming a trustee for the organization Headway, which helps people recover from brain injuries.
Now living in Oxfordshire, Ryan continues to dedicate his life to helping others. He works with young people and consults with other youth organizations, using his experience to make a positive impact. He also runs his own charity called His Mind, which focuses on men's mental health and addresses the societal pressures that can lead to issues such as youth violence.
Ryan's own experience has shown him the urgency for men's mental health services. He believes that society has failed to provide the necessary support for those struggling with their mental health, leading to devastating consequences such as suicide. Through his charity work, Ryan hopes to raise awareness and provide a safe space for men to speak openly and without judgment.
One of Ryan's upcoming projects with His Mind aims to enhance the lives and safety of children by understanding and addressing the root causes of exploitation. Growing up in a toxic environment where he was told he would end up in prison, Ryan knows firsthand the importance of offering support and guidance to young people who are facing similar challenges. He believes that by understanding the underlying issues, we can make a real difference in preventing youth violence.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Ryan remains positive and grateful for his second chance at life. He has learned to appreciate the good and the bad, and he hopes to use his experiences to make a positive impact on others. Ryan's story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope and the potential for growth and change.
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