Real stories, told by the people who lived them
Hear from the people we support about how the right care, at the right time, has changed their everyday lives.
These stories come straight from the people who know our care best.
They share what life was like before moving into one of our homes, and what’s changed since - from rebuilding confidence and independence to reconnecting with hobbies, friends, and family.
You’ll read about small steps that meant everything, big milestones that once felt out of reach, and the moments that made people feel like themselves again.
Thank you to everyone who’s shared their story.
Returning to Download Festival and the life she loves
Alex’s story
After a spinal cord injury, Alex struggled to picture her future. Going back to Download Festival - camping at Donington Park and listening to live rock music with friends - felt impossible.
With the right support in place, Alex now attends Download every year.
Her care team help her plan the trip, support her throughout the festival, and make sure accessibility never gets in the way.
For Alex, it’s five days of music, laughter, friendship, and feeling like herself again.
Rediscovering confidence through musical theatre
George’s story
Before moving to Laurel Place, George experienced repeated placement breakdowns and long hospital stays that left him isolated. His lifelong love of musical theatre slowly slipped away.
With personalised, nurse-led support, George has reconnected with what he loves.
He’s attended shows at the Sunderland Empire, joined the local Rock Choir, is preparing to perform on stage again with the Bishop Auckland Theatre Society’s summer show.
Singing, rehearsing, and performing are once again part of his everyday life.
The theatre lights are back on - and George is enjoying every moment.
From 4:1 care to moving home
Graham’s story
After an acquired brain injury, Graham needed support that other providers struggled to offer. Highly restrictive care packages and repeated placement breakdowns caused distress for him and his family.
At Shire Oaks Court, Graham’s support was rebuilt around him.
With nurse-led care, physiotherapy, and help rebuilding everyday life skills like cooking and gardening, his independence steadily grew.
Within nine months, Graham was ready to return home with minimal support.
Building a future filled with gigs, goals, and ambition
Abi’s story
When Abi moved to Maypole Grove, she was nervous about even getting out of bed. After a serious accident and complications linked to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, long hospital stays and unsuitable rehabilitation had left her confidence low.
With support from a highly trained, nurse-led team, Abi’s world has opened up again.
She now goes to gigs, fundraises for charities, and works with external organisations on research projects.
As a Service User Ambassador, she’s shaping services and setting big goals for her future.
Growing confidence, independence, and a social life
Joel’s story
After a childhood brain injury, Joel needed support that helped him feel safe and understood. Previous placements hadn’t been right, so in 2023 he moved to Buttercup House.
With consistent one-to-one support, Joel has made huge progress.
His mobility has improved, his confidence has grown, and he’s building life skills. He volunteers, represents his home as a Service User Ambassador, and enjoys nights out - including dancing at Popworld in Leeds.
Now enjoying a fuller social life and setting ambitious goals, Joel’s progress is opening up conversations about a future in a lower-acuity, less restrictive setting
Finding his voice, purpose, and independence again
Adam’s story
Adam was 34 and living independently when his drink was spiked, leading to a life-changing brain injury. After falling into a coma, his recovery was slow and communication was limited.
Since moving to Greenside Court, Adam has made remarkable progress.
With specialist speech and language therapy, he now communicates using his voice and assistive technology, stands and takes steps, and controls his wheelchair independently.
Alongside returning to college and spending time with friends, Adam is now a Regional Service User Ambassador, representing residents across Yorkshire and the North East, speaking at external events, and helping to drive meaningful change.
Finding confidence, creativity, and a place that feels like home
Karen’s story
After a spinal cord injury left her with quadriplegia, Karen needed support that could meet both her physical and emotional needs. Previous placements hadn’t felt right.
At Tyne Grange, Karen has found stability and trust.
With consistent, person-centred care, her physical strength has improved and her mental wellbeing has stabilised.
She’s taken her first steps since her injury and fills her days with arts and crafts, baking, gardening, and trips to local charity shops to collect teddy bears and dolls - in a place that finally feels like home.
Everyday moments that matter
Read more about the small moments and big experiences that matter most to the people we support.
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