LH'S Story

FROM SURVIVAL TO STABILITY: LH'S TRANSFORMATION THROUGH SUPPORT

• A CHALLENGING BEGINNING

  When LH first arrived at our ABEN accommodation, he was a young adult fleeing a background of violence and abuse. Diagnosed with global developmental delay and a speech development disorder, LH faced immense challenges, not only due to his complex learning difficulties but also because of multiple health conditions, including type 2 diabetes.
• ARRIVING IN CRISIS

  Before coming to us, LH's living situation had significantly impacted his physical and emotional wellbeing. He was extremely vulnerable and lacked the support necessary to manage his daily needs. Due to communication difficulties, especially over the phone, he often struggled to understand or respond to others, which further isolated him and limited his ability to seek help.
  
  Recognising the immediate risks to his safety and wellbeing, our staff completed a safeguarding referral upon his arrival to ensure the appropriate protections were in place from day one.
  
  Intensifying the challenges LH faced upon arrival at College Road was the critical issue of his medication still being sent to his previous GP, located in the area he had escaped. Understandably, he was terrified of returning and encountering family members. Our staff quickly stepped in, helping LH register with a local GP and arrange for prescriptions to be sent to a nearby pharmacy, an essential step that improved both his safety and his health.
• TAKING BACK CONTROL

  LH's financial situation was equally concerning. His Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments were being paid into his father's account, leaving LH without access to his own funds. He didn't know what he was entitled to, nor how to budget for himself.
  
  With the support of our staff, LH was able to redirect his benefit payments into his own bank account. Over time, he has learned to manage his finances independently, a significant milestone for someone who, only months before, had no financial autonomy.
• BUILDING DAILY LIVING SKILLS

  At the time of move-in, LH had very limited life skills. He needed consistent, hands-on support to complete basic tasks like using kitchen appliances, cleaning, shopping, and managing his medication. Through patience, structure, and repetition, LH gradually developed these skills. Today, he carries out his daily tasks independently and continues to grow in confidence.
  
  While LH was friendly and eager to engage with others, boundaries and routines were essential. Staff worked closely with him to understand the expectations of communal living and to promote a sense of personal responsibility, such as checking in at reception and respecting the support needs of other residents.
• ADVOCACY AND THE RIGHT SUPPORT

  Despite his clear needs, LH was initially deemed ineligible for Adult Social Care support under the Care Act. Our team, in partnership with Centrepoint, advocated persistently on his behalf, pushing for a reassessment. Eventually, LH was recognised as eligible and began receiving the care-related support he had long been denied.
  
  Unfortunately, LH's support needs meant he was repeatedly rejected by other supported housing providers, whose services couldn't meet his requirements. This left him without a viable move-on plan until a suitable vacancy became available in one of our semi-independent step-down accommodations.
  
  This move has been transformative. LH continues to receive staff support through regular sessions but now also enjoys greater independence, learning to manage his space, carry out household responsibilities like taking out the bins, and spend more time integrating into the wider community.
• A BRIGHTER FUTURE AHEAD

  Thanks to consistent support, a collaboration with Centrepoint, and a highly personalised approach, LH's progress has been remarkable. He now manages his finances, medication, and daily living tasks independently. Most importantly, he is building the confidence and resilience needed for a successful future.
  
  As LH continues on this journey, the next step, a transition into independent tenancy, is increasingly within reach. When the time comes, our in-house resettlement service will be there to support him, ensuring he sustains his progress and builds a stable, fulfilling life.