When Brian first moved into our residential care home, 24 St Marks Road, in August 2023, his world felt uncertain. At just 20 years old, he had already faced many challenges that made it hard for him to trust others or feel like he truly belonged. He had been through several failed placements, each one leaving him more subdued and withdrawn. By the time he came to us, he was quiet, cautious, and unsure of what to expect.
With the right support, patience, and a safe home, Brian’s story is one of growth, confidence, and independence.
Early challenges
From a young age, social interactions were difficult for Brian. He often struggled to connect with others and to feel part of a group. After moving from Poland to the UK as a child, his life felt chaotic. Only his time at Oak Field School in Nottinghamshire gave him some stability.
School was where Brian’s teachers didn’t follow a strict curriculum. Instead, they focused on boosting his communication, social skills, and independent living abilities. They could see that he had huge potential, even though he was sometimes misunderstood.
When Brian’s last placement suddenly came to an end with no time for a careful transition, his situation became urgent. Because of his needs, a gradual move would usually have been essential. But in this moment, he needed a safe place quickly – and that’s where our team stepped in.
A quick transition
The move to 24 St Marks Road happened quickly, and our team knew this could be overwhelming for Brian. He lived in a place where staff used chemical restraints to manage his behaviour. This left him frustrated and subdued. We expected him to find the big change hard, but he surprised us.
Instead of shutting down, Brian began to thrive. We worked closely with health professionals and, most importantly, focused on Brian as an individual. By removing chemical restraints and listening to him, we gave him the chance to show his true personality. For the first time in a long while, Brian felt safe, valued, and free to express himself.
A new sense of belonging
As Brian began to settle, he started to make 24 St Marks Road his own. He decorated his bedroom how he liked it, and we worked with him to set activities and goals that felt right for him.
Continuing with education was especially important, as it gave him the consistency he’d always valued. Teachers soon noticed the change in him – he was more engaged, confident, and happier.
Brian now sees us as his home. He’s comfortable, valued, listened to and, quite basically, he feels loved.
Emma, Service Manager at 24 St Marks Road
Achievements that matter
Brian’s progress has been nothing short of inspiring. One of the biggest breakthroughs was around his fear of water. For years, he had avoided showers, having only quick washes.
At first, it looked like he had a phobia of water. But after spending time with him, we found out that it was the shower itself that caused the issue.
Working with occupational therapists and physiotherapists we introduced a safe shower chair and a gentle plan to desensitise him. Step by step, Brian gained confidence. Now, he showers every day – something that has improved his health, wellbeing, and self-esteem. Even more amazingly, he has since been swimming for the first time – and loved it.
Another key step was giving Brian more freedom to move. Because of his physical needs, he often requires straps and harnesses for safety, which left him feeling restricted. By introducing special mats and adapted equipment, we gave him daily “floor time,” where he can play, explore, and release his energy safely. This not only improves his physical health but also allows him to feel listened to and understood.
Growing friendships
Perhaps the most heart-warming change has been in Brian’s social life. Where he once avoided interaction, he now actively seeks it out. At first, he began approaching our team members, and gradually he was supported to join group activities with his peers.
Today, Brian has built real friendships. He enjoys going bowling, taking day trips, and spending time with others. Recently, he visited the Sealife Centre – something that would never have been possible before. His growing confidence has opened doors to experiences that bring him joy and help him feel part of a community.
Better health, brighter future
Brian’s health needs are complex, and he requires constant support in every area of daily life. In the year before moving to us, he had seven long hospital admissions, sometimes lasting months. But since coming to 24 St Marks Road, there have been no admissions. By understanding his needs and managing them proactively, we’ve been able to prevent problems and give him the stability he deserves.
His family, too, has seen the difference. When his three sisters visited after his move, they were overwhelmed by how happy and settled he was. Their anxiety turned into relief, as they could see Brian was finally in a place where he was thriving.
Looking ahead
Today, Brian is the happiest he has ever been. He has friends, confidence, and opportunities to explore the world around him. While he still needs support in every aspect of life, he now feels safe, valued, and full of potential.
Looking ahead, we plan to build on this progress. One dream is to take Brian on his first holiday with his peers – something that would have been unimaginable before. Day to day, our goal is simple; to continue giving him a safe, loving environment where he can keep growing in independence and confidence.
Brian’s journey shows what’s possible when the right support is in place. With patience, understanding, and a focus on the individual, a residential setting can unlock potential and truly change lives.
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