Ethan’s journey at The Vines
Read how Ethan built confidence, independence and emotional stability at The Vines through consistent, person-centred support.
Ethan has made significant progress following challenges with emotional regulation, with consistent support helping him manage distress safely, engage in meaningful activities and strengthen his sense of self and wellbeing.
Life before The Vines
Prior to moving to The Vines, Ethan lived at Priory Hospital Elm Park. He experienced difficulties with emotional regulation following an acquired brain injury linked to complications around a tumour. At times, distress was expressed through unsafe behaviours, which affected his wellbeing and limited his ability to engage consistently in day-to-day life.
Assessment and transition
Initially, The Vines was considered a complex placement due to Ethan’s presentation. However, through careful assessment, collaborative planning, and a structured transition, his presentation stabilised and a move was agreed.
Ethan visited the service with his mother, selected his room, and quickly connected with the environment. Staff maintained regular contact ahead of admission, supporting preparation for his first week. His mother, the registered manager, and the psychology team worked together to develop a personalised plan focused on safe emotional expression and consistency of support.
Presentation on arrival
On arrival, Ethan continued to experience challenges with emotional regulation. Episodes could escalate quickly and included behaviours such as absconding, activating fire alarms, throwing objects, damaging property, and shouting. His mood could fluctuate rapidly, requiring calm, consistent, and responsive support.
A structured and collaborative approach
Support at The Vines centred on collaboration, structure, and helping Ethan to understand and manage his emotions. Close working with psychology services and his family ensured a joined-up and consistent approach.
- Development of personalised emotional regulation strategies
- Introduction of mindfulness and temperature-based techniques
- Regular team communication to ensure consistent responses
- Ongoing involvement from his mother to reinforce strategies
- Support to engage in activities such as Slimming World and community outings
A strong focus was also placed on physical health. With encouragement and a gradual approach, Ethan rebuilt confidence in accessing transport and attending activities, contributing to improved wellbeing and sustained weight loss.
Developing independence
As Ethan’s emotional regulation improved, he began to engage in more structured and meaningful activities. He attended kitchen sessions and developed a clear interest in cooking, which led to enrolment on a culinary college course. This supported both his independence and future aspirations.
He also became more aware of his emotional needs, recognising early signs of distress, requesting space, and applying learned strategies. This marked a significant shift in his ability to self-regulate and communicate effectively.
Daily life and engagement
Ethan was highly engaged in life at The Vines and embraced a wide range of activities. He enjoyed bingo, karaoke, arts and crafts, music therapy, and group games, often encouraging others to participate. He brought energy and positivity to the home.
Positive outcomes
During his time at The Vines, Ethan made meaningful progress. His family shared that he was better able to express himself and felt supported in a way that helped them understand his needs more clearly:
- Reduction in unsafe behaviours
- Improved emotional regulation and self-awareness
- Increased independence and engagement in education
- Positive relationships with staff and peers
- Greater confidence in social and community settings
Celebrating Ethan’s life and lasting impact
Ethan sadly passed away in 2025. He is remembered as ‘the sunshine’ of The Vines, reflecting his personality, resilience, and the positive impact he had on those around him.
His journey highlights the value of person-centred support, consistency, and belief in an individual’s potential, leaving a lasting legacy within the service.
With you, he flourished. Before, he was just existing.
Although I was happy with the care Ethan received at Elm Park, what you provided was more than I could ever have hoped for. I knew that from the moment I walked through the door and saw how the staff interacted with the other residents. For the first time, I felt reassured that Ethan would be looked after should anything happen to me.
He was in a safe and caring environment and was enjoying life again, which makes what happened all the more difficult. I could finally see a light at the end of the tunnel and was looking forward to more frequent home visits and even the possibility of a weekend away together, as we had done years before.
Thank you all for the care Ethan received, and for the help and support provided by the psychology team. They introduced so many coping strategies that were incredibly helpful. Thank you to Jay for allowing Ethan to be his sous chef. I have never known Ethan happier than when he was assisting in the kitchen. Well, apart from when any animals came to visit!
Thank you to each and every one of you for your patience and understanding, especially in those early days when Ethan's behaviours were challenging, to say the least.
Thank you also for your support throughout the countless medical episodes and hospital visits. Ethan was such a complex case over the years, but you took everything in your stride and I always knew he was in safe hands.
Of course, I wish he were still here every day. I would also have loved to see how life might have turned out for him in the future, with your continued support. I truly believe he could have achieved so much more.
I will be forever grateful for the care you gave my darling son and for making him happier than I had seen him since his treatment began.
Thank you so much.
I miss you all.
Ethan's mother