After several failed placements, Joel moved to Buttercup House at Bennett Court withdrawn, disengaged, and only able to walk a few steps with a frame.
His mobility was limited, his engagement was low, and previous services hadn’t been able to meet his needs safely.
With personalised support, nurse-led oversight, and a genuinely person-centred approach, Joel has made significant progress physically, emotionally, and socially.
Today, he’s walking to the shops, volunteering in the community, enjoying regular nights out, and representing his peers as a Service User Ambassador - all while working towards a more independent future.
When the right support finally made the difference
As a child, Joel underwent chemotherapy and sustained an acquired brain injury.
Several lower-acuity placements later broke down because they couldn’t safely meet his needs.
When he arrived at Buttercup House, he needed consistent support to manage behaviours of concern and rebuild trust.
With personalised staffing, clear routines, and a person-centred approach, the team created a stable environment where Joel could feel safe enough to progress.
Over time, this has led to a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of incidents, and a noticeable increase in confidence and engagement.
From a few steps with a frame to walking to the shops
Joel knew that if he wanted more independence, mobility had to come first.
With regular physiotherapy and a weekly muscle and mobility swimming session, he’s made steady, impressive progress.
He can now walk to the local shop using a walker, with colleagues maintaining a safe distance so he feels independent but supported. What once felt impossible is now part of his routine.
At Buttercup House, Joel lives in a self-contained apartment with another resident, separate from the main home. The smaller setting gives him space to grow, while still providing reassurance when he needs it.
Budgeting, cooking, and taking control of everyday life
Joel’s building independence in practical ways too.
He budgets for his weekly food shop, plans ahead, and puts money aside for treats like a takeaway.
He cooks meals in the home’s hub or in his apartment kitchen, developing confidence and everyday life skills.
These small, consistent steps are helping him feel more in control of his future.
From staying in to dancing the night away
Joel’s social life has transformed alongside his independence.
He now attends inclusive club nights at Popworld in Leeds, where he enjoys meeting friends, dancing, and finishing the night with a McDonald’s on the way home.
He’s also developed greater awareness around safe relationships and online communication.
When someone contacted him asking for money, Joel recognised the warning signs and felt confident speaking to the team about it - a big step in protecting himself.
Finding purpose as a Service User Ambassador
Joel’s ambition doesn’t stop at his own progress.
As a Service User Ambassador, he represents other residents on the Service User Council and plays an active role in shaping life at the home.
He also volunteers as a bingo caller at SESKU Community Centre, proudly sharing his “bingo lingo” and building confidence in the community.
“As an ambassador, I attend Council meetings and help be the voice of my fellow residents, hoping to improve our home and make it the best it can be.
"This gives me a sense of purpose and the opportunity to meet new friends.”
The next step on Joel’s journey
Joel wants to keep improving his mobility, continue building confidence in the community, and gain experience that moves him closer to paid employment.
Longer term, he hopes to progress to a lower-acuity setting and live even more independently.
With the progress he’s made in a short time, he’s already showing what’s possible with the right support - and he’s only just getting started.