From malnourished and withdrawn, to strong and happy, a local supported living service commissioned by North East Lincolnshire Council Adult Social Care, has transformed a young man’s life.
The young man, who is a non-verbal wheelchair user with learning disability needs, is ‘living his best life’ according to Beth Griffiths, registered manager for North East Lincolnshire Supported Living Services.
In his initial assessment, it stated he was profoundly deaf, believed to be subject from the trauma in his life. He is now able to hear very well, doesn’t require hearing aids and is able to follow staff voices around the room.
He came with just the clothes on his back, was underweight, lacked strength and ‘had a sadness in his eyes that broke staff’s hearts’. Staff rallied round and donated clothes, toiletries, bedding, sensory lights, toys, curtains and furniture to help make his bedroom warm and welcoming, including his much-loved jelly fish dream catcher.
Since then, through the care and support of staff, the young man is now thriving. “He is such a happy soul, a lovely character and a joy to support,” said Beth. “He puts smiles on all our faces.”
He now has his own tenancy of 24-hour supported living and an appointee from Focus who manages his tenancy and finances. He shares a ground floor bungalow and large garden with other service users, as well as integrating with the community and visiting the shop and tearoom.
He enjoys attending a day centre several times a week, going out in his mobility vehicle and having meals out with the friends he lives with. The Deep is one of his favourite days out.
With one-to-one care, support with personal care, meals and more, Creative Support has worked to help him to live a healthy and happy life with easy access to joined up advice and support.
“It is such a transformation,” said Beth. “He is a testament to the staff. The team go above and beyond. The values they hold, their enthusiasm and passion on a day-to-day basis is something I am immensely proud of. It brings a lot of joy to see we are really making a difference.”
Supported living is strengths-based and outcome-focused, promotes independence and wellbeing and delivers high quality care within local communities to enable people to maintain their own tenancy and home.
This year’s Learning Disability Week theme, ‘Do you see me?’, is about making sure people with a learning disability are seen, heard and valued in all aspects of life.
The week, starting on Monday 15 June, celebrates what people with a learning disability bring to society. It is a week to shine a light on the contributions people with a learning disability are making to their local communities.
Nic McVeigh, Assistant Director for Integration and Transformation at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “When disabled people are supported to live independently, communities grow stronger and more inclusive. Commissioning supported living services like these are a fundamental part of the adult social care offer to support those with a learning disability to thrive in North East Lincolnshire.”
Councillor Nige Oliver, portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Learning Disability Week is a vital opportunity to celebrate and recognise the valuable contributions people with a learning disability make to our communities every day. Across North East Lincolnshire, individuals are shaping our neighbourhoods through their skills, talents and determination. This week is about shining a light on their achievements, championing inclusion, and reminding us all of the importance of creating a society where everyone is supported to thrive and be heard.”
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