Squirrel feeding around Rose Meadow helps unlock early confidence for Lifeways’ James

For many people, a trip outside is a simple part of everyday life. But for James, leaving the safety and familiarity of Lifeways’ Rose Meadow Residential Care service in Misterton had become an overwhelming challenge. 

Determined to help him regain his confidence, the dedicated team at Rose Meadow took the time to understand what mattered most to him. Through patience, encouragement and a person-centred approach, they discovered a passion that they think could help open the door to new experiences. 

Life at Rose Meadow 

James, who has autism and a learning disability, has lived at Rose Meadow for around 16 years. Leaving the service was not always a challenge for him, with some team members fondly recalling trips to the local village pub and other outings in the community. 

However, following a distressing experience several years ago, James became increasingly anxious about leaving the service. Worried he might not return home, he gradually lost confidence in going out and instead found comfort in the familiar surroundings of Rose Meadow. 

Team Leader Amanda Smithson explained: “We ask James on a daily basis what he wants to do for the day, but if you happen to mention anything that involves leaving the service, he sadly gets overwhelmed. He just likes to stay here. 

“It’s nice for us to know he’s that comfortable with the team here, but we’ve been trying to find ways to gradually encourage him to step outside again.” 

Finding comfort in nature 

Rose Meadow, nestled in the village of Misterton on the edge of Nottinghamshire, is surrounded by open countryside and a rich variety of wildlife. 

“One day, a team member suggested: ‘Why don’t we get some food to feed the squirrels?’ Since then, they’ve become regular visitors – often appearing in the garden and even perched around the bird baths and bird feeders outside the service,” added Amanda. 

Amanda explained that early attempts to support James in stepping outside the front door to feed them left him feeling overwhelmed. 

Instead, the team adapted their approach, placing a bird bath outside the patio area of James’ ground-floor room. This created a calm, familiar space where he can be gently encouraged to take part in feeding the squirrels each day. 

“It’s such a big thing for James to be able to do this every day, and we hope in the future this might be the way forward for him to go out even further and more regularly,” Amanda added. 

Building trust with Tracey 

One breakthrough the team has noticed with James over the past few months has been the development of an incredibly close and trusting relationship with his key worker, Tracey. 

Despite almost 10 years of largely staying within the service, James has built a strong bond with her through consistent, person-centred support, shared daily routines and a calm, familiar approach that has helped him feel safe and understood. Over time, this steady relationship has become a key part of his confidence and sense of reassurance. 

So much so, he now goes outside to meet her when she arrives for work at the service. 

“James is always asking for Tracey. He always wants to know where she is. 

“They have such a good relationship and as soon as she pulls up in her car, staff will support James and he will go outside to meet her,” said Amanda. 

Amanda also recalled a moment when Tracey was travelling to work by bus and James courageously went to meet her at the nearby bus stop – something that may seem ordinary to many, but represented a huge achievement for him. 

“We’ve worked really closely with James over the last 10 years and we were all so proud of him the day he met Tracey at the bus stop – and she was so surprised,” she said. 

Looking ahead 

With the close bond he has built with Tracey and his growing interest in feeding the local squirrels, Amanda and the team at Rose Meadow are hopeful that, with a “little and often” approach, James will continue to build confidence and take further steps outside. 

This could include feeding the squirrels from the fence in the spacious back garden and, in time, potentially taking short walks into the village. 

“We’ve found that the key for James is a little and often approach, breaking things down into small, manageable steps. By keeping squirrel feeding at his patio door, it’s become a gentle daily routine he’s comfortable with and happy to engage in. 

“We’re hopeful that, over time, this will help him build the confidence to take further steps and eventually feel ready to venture outside again.”