During his time with us, Thomas attended college three days a week, and he has recently been offered at work placement at Tesco. We helped Thomas gain confidence with knowing his bus route and using public transport but he since also passed his driving test.
Thomas* has a diagnosis of mild learning disability, ADHD and autism and before coming to live at Strathmore, he had already been in children’s services for nine years. He did not have any contact with parents or grandparents, and his siblings were in foster care.
Before moving in with us, we worked with his previous placement, to complete an assessment, so we were clearer on his needs. This included a visited to view his room and to meet the other residents and with his key worker. He also stayed for tea before moving in, and we supported with organising his belongings and helped to set up his room how he liked.
At first, Thomas needed support with personal hygiene and was helped with verbal reminders to shower and change his bedding. We also had to provide support with meals, budgeting, medication and claiming benefits.
Thomas was quite nervous, and to a certain degree isolated himself in his bedroom; he would search out staff to talk to rather than the other residents and needed help adjusting to living with 11 other people.
Thomas is now much more confident, having had the time to settle in. He would speak out in ‘your voice’ meetings and spend time with the other residents. We also supported Thomas to meet with his siblings during the school holidays, which had boosted his happiness greatly.
During his time with us, Thomas attended college three days a week, and he has recently been offered at work placement at Tesco. We helped Thomas gain confidence with knowing his bus route and using public transport but he since also passed his driving test.
Thomas goes to the pub with others on karaoke night, cooks, plays on the X-Box and began to help other new residents learn the bus timetable. He has now moved into his own flat in a supported living service.
“The support I have received has been top notch, staff are always available when I need them and have supported me to be more independent. I was anxious about moving to Strathmore House but definitely made the right decision.”
*Name has been changed to protect identity
