Oxfordshire care workers are marking National Schizophrenia Awareness Day by highlighting the vital work they do every day. Grace To, a mental health support worker, has spoken about the impact of around-the-clock, personalised care for people living with the condition. She has worked for four years at Iris Hayter House in Littlemore, a supported housing service run by Oxfordshire-based mental health charity Response. Ms To said: "People diagnosed with schizophrenia can feel incredibly isolated because they are fearful and do not know whether what they are experiencing is real life or delusion. Read more River Thames locks part closed from Cotswolds to Oxford amid dry weather New date set as controversial police facial recognition van returning to Oxford Rogue gardener scammed customers out of nearly £40k "It’s our job to help them lead a normal life where they can thrive in a supported environment and feel part of a community." Response is the county’s largest independent mental health charity, supporting more than 500 adults and young people through housing, recovery, and prevention services. Schizophrenia affects approximately one per cent of the UK population and is a long-term mental health condition. Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganised thinking. Ms To, 36, is also a trained music therapist and said activities like seated exercise, crafts, group outings, and film nights help provide purpose for residents. She said: "We provide that purpose into people’s lives who without our care and attention would have very little to live for. "As mental health support workers, we’re simply here to help those living with schizophrenia and other mental health conditions to lead a normal life, which I believe everyone is entitled to." She said music therapy helps people achieve non-musical goals and can boost physical health, movement and social interactions. Ms To said: "I see