An amazing new chapter for Lindsey
A decade of progress leads Lindsey to her long-awaited next chapter.
After more than a decade with Priory, Lindsey* is preparing to take her next step towards independent living. Her journey has involved overcoming complex challenges, building essential life skills, and forming stronger family connections—all with the support of a dedicated team. Her story highlights the resilience and determination behind every step forward.
Lindsey* has been with Priory for over 10 years, originally placed at a secure unit near Cardiff. Over time, she worked hard to progress to Beechley Drive – a community home setting. Lindsey has a complex diagnosis that includes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), a moderate learning disability, and insulin-controlled type 1 diabetes.
When Lindsey first arrived at Priory, she had limited independent living skills and required support with daily tasks such as personal hygiene. The team worked closely with her, helping her build the skills and confidence needed to move on to a less secure setting.
At Beechley Drive, she continued to develop her skills in a community-based environment with greater opportunities. Although her diagnosis meant she remained under Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and the Court of Protection, she thrived with the support of staff. She began attending Cardiff and Vale College, gaining a level 1 qualification in English and working towards level 1 in Maths. She also engaged with local social groups and became more independent with home-based tasks, including laundry and cleaning. Lindsey is particularly proud of her progress in the kitchen and is becoming a confident cook.
When she first arrived at Beechley Drive, Lindsey struggled with managing her diabetes. Staff worked closely with her consultant and local diabetes nurses, and together they supported her to improve her condition. Her blood glucose levels are now more stable, and she has reduced her insulin intake thanks to a healthier diet and regular exercise.
For the past three years, Lindsey has expressed her wish to move into a flat of her own. Finding the right placement has been a challenge, but she has remained focused on preparing for the move. Working with the multidisciplinary team, she has developed a clearer understanding of her needs and priorities. With support from occupational therapy sessions and staff guidance, Lindsey has learned to budget effectively and distinguish between needs and wants.
Maintaining relationships with her mother and sisters has always been important to Lindsey. Although these relationships have had challenges during her time at Beechley Drive, she has worked hard to strengthen them. With the help of staff and her external team, Lindsey now sees her family every fortnight and enjoys supervised phone calls with her mother. These more stable relationships have been supported by regular one-to-one sessions with staff.
Lindsey’s external team found her a flat that met her needs – the next step she’s been working towards for years. She will be leaving Beechley Drive ready to start her new chapter. Her family have expressed their thanks to everyone at Beechley Drive who supported Lindsey in becoming the independent, capable young woman she is today.
*Name has been changed to protect identity