When you first meet Jordan, you’re immediately struck by his warmth, kindness, and the spark he brings into any room. But behind that energy is a story of courage, determination, and hope.
In 2015, when he was only 22 years old, Jordan’s life changed in a way no one could have imagined. He was assaulted while out with friends, and he suffered a serious brain injury.
After the attack, he spent a long time in hospital, needing surgery to release pressure in his brain. Doctors weren’t sure he would survive. They even told his family that if he did pull through, he might never be able to walk, eat, or drink on his own again.
Before his injury, Jordan lived a full and exciting life. He worked as a barista and mixologist in a local hotel and had even spent time abroad as a resort rep in Ayia Napa, making friends and enjoying life to the fullest. Overnight, his world became very different. The injury left him with poor eyesight in one eye, weakness down his left side, and ongoing mental health needs.
But Jordan is not someone who gives up. With incredible determination – and the love and support of his family – he slowly began to make progress. Together, they proved the doctors wrong. Over the years, Jordan has learnt to talk again, to walk again, and to eat again. Every step has been hard-earned, but each has been a victory.
Finding the right place
Jordan’s journey after hospital wasn’t straightforward. He had three different care placements that didn’t work out, leaving him and his family feeling unsure about the future. In early 2025, after living back at home with his parents, they discovered our specialist brain injury care home, Cleadon Court, in South Shields.
From the very first visit, Jordan and his mum knew it was the right place for him. During his transition process, Jordan’s mum even gave a presentation to the team about Jordan – sharing who he is, what he enjoys, and how best to support him. This helped everyone get to know him quickly, not just as someone with a brain injury, but as a son, a football fan, a friend, and a young man with big ambitions.
Jordan started off in one of Cleadon Court’s residential rooms. At that time, he needed a lot of help with everyday tasks. Simple things like making lunch, doing the washing, or ironing clothes were difficult. But with patient support and tailored therapy, Jordan began to learn and grow.
Step by step progress
To help Jordan build skills, the team used a gentle, step-by-step approach. For example, when learning to make lunch, he first watched our team prepare it. Then he started helping with small parts of the task, gradually doing more on his own. Today, Jordan can make his own breakfast and lunch, wash, iron, and put away his clothes, and look after his personal care. He takes pride in his appearance and enjoys the independence these skills give him.
Jordan’s therapies have helped him gain the skills and independence he has today. His therapies include physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Each plays a role in helping him stay strong, communicate well, and manage the challenges he faces.
Most importantly, Jordan has worked closely with the team to create a care plan that’s centred around him – his interests, his needs, and his goals. Boundaries are in place to keep him safe, especially around things that could cause harm. But the focus is always on building a full and happy life.
A home of his own
After just a few months at Cleadon Court, Jordan had already made so much progress that he was ready for the next step: moving into one of the self-contained apartments on site.
For around eight weeks, he practised in our training kitchen to make sure he would be safe and confident. Now, he enjoys the extra independence of having his own space while still having support nearby when he needs it.
Living life again
Jordan’s days are now filled with activities that make him feel part of the community again. He goes out every day, often more than once. He loves being by the coast, where he sits by a local coffee kiosk, enjoys the sea air, and listens to the sound of the waves. It helps him feel calm and boosts his mental health.
A huge part of Jordan’s life is football. As a lifelong Arsenal fan, he always has plenty to say about the game. When he was younger, he even did some coaching. At Cleadon Court, the team has supported him to take up coaching again at a local club for people with additional needs. He’s working towards his coaching badge and attends weekly training sessions as well as doing online learning.
Looking after his mental wellbeing, Jordan attends Andy’s Man Club every week, a space where men can talk openly about mental health. He’s also part of a local Headway peer group, which he attends weekly. He finds both groups helpful, and they’ve introduced him to new friends. He now often meets up with them outside of the groups to socialise over coffee or ice cream!
Moving forward
Earlier this year, Jordan had to spend some time in hospital due to his mental health. This was a difficult period, but it showed how important the right support can be. The Cleadon Court team has worked closely with him to put strategies in place, so he doesn’t reach that point again.
Since being at the home, he’s built strong relationships with his support team. He now feels able to talk openly with his them whenever he’s struggling, and that trust has become one of the strongest parts of his journey.
Because of his brain injury, Jordan’s short-term memory isn’t always reliable, but his long-term memory is strong. Sometimes he finds himself thinking about the past and what he feels he’s missed out on. When this happens, the team gently reminds him of how far he has come. They celebrate the incredible achievements he has made over the past ten years – from being on a puréed diet, to now having no restrictions on what he eats; from being told he might never walk again, to coaching football today.
A bright future
Jordan’s story is one of strength, hope, and resilience. From the darkest of times, he and his family have worked tirelessly to build a brighter future. At Cleadon Court, he has found not just a safe place to live, but a home where his independence is encouraged, his passions are supported, and his achievements are celebrated.
Every day, Jordan continues to prove what is possible when determination meets the right support. His journey is far from over, but one thing is certain – Jordan’s future is filled with possibility.
Learn more about our support
To find out more about our specialist brain injury support, visit our dedicated web page!