A journey of growth and new possibilities at Oak House
Discovering new confidence and greater independence.
When James* arrived at Oak House, he needed time to feel safe, build trust and regain his confidence.
With personalised support, James has grown in confidence, rediscovered his interests and begun to enjoy new experiences and opportunities.
When James first came to Oak House, he was beginning a new chapter after spending around 10 years in a care home that was due to close.
Adjusting to a new environment and routine naturally took time. James has a mild learning disability, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can particularly affect him at night.
He often preferred spending time in his own flat, as social situations could feel overwhelming, and evenings were particularly challenging.
James had also experienced mental health difficulties in previous placements, including an incorrect diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder that had resulted in medication being prescribed that was not considered necessary. The effects of this medication had contributed to changes in his personality and presentation.
Recognising the importance of helping James feel safe and understood was central to the approach at Oak House. By taking the time to understand his needs and build trusting relationships, the team laid the foundations for the progress he would go on to make.
Providing personalised support and building independence
Our team worked closely with the positive behaviour support (PBS) practitioner, psychiatry team and social worker to develop personalised care and PBS plans that reflected James's individual needs.
The team provided consistent reassurance, used verbal de-escalation techniques when needed and supported James through difficult evenings. Working alongside the psychiatry team, Oak House also supported a gradual review and reduction of medication that was no longer considered necessary.
Over the past six years, this combined approach has made a significant difference. James's anxiety has reduced substantially and, although it remains part of his life, it is now much more manageable. He is better able to regulate his emotions with support, and behaviours of concern have also reduced significantly.
As his confidence has grown, James has developed greater independence in everyday living skills and become more proactive in making choices about his life. With minimal support from the team, he can now identify activities he would like to enjoy, make arrangements and take steps to make them happen.
Rediscovering interests and embracing new opportunities
One of the most rewarding aspects of James's journey has been seeing him reconnect with familiar interests and gain the confidence to try new things.
A passionate football supporter, James regularly attends matches throughout the year. Using a wall planner created with his support workers, he identifies the matches he wants to attend and contacts the ticket office to book his tickets. He has also rediscovered his love of fishing and is planning his first trip to a local fishing lake in more than two years.
Over the summer, James achieved two long-standing personal goals. With encouragement from his support team, he tried canoeing, an activity he had wanted to experience for several years, and attended a major sporting event that had once felt too daunting.
His growing confidence has also helped him become more involved in his local community. James is now an active member of a community group, participating in discussions and activities focused on life skills, wellbeing and individual rights. This has given him opportunities to meet others, share experiences and contribute to discussions.
Looking ahead, James's main goal for next year is to go on holiday. He is currently exploring options with the Oak House team, who are supporting him to consider possibilities.
James's journey demonstrates the difference that personalised support, patience and trusting relationships can make. By working alongside healthcare professionals and focusing on what matters to him, the Oak House team has helped James develop greater confidence, independence and choice.
From attending football matches and trying canoeing to reconnecting with fishing and becoming more involved in his community, James's achievements show how far he has come, and highlights how the right support can help people overcome barriers and enable them to achieve things they may once have thought were beyond their reach.
*Name has been changed to protect the identity of the resident.