After facing homelessness, Nick finds his ‘forever home’ with Lifeways – within 24 hours!
Moving into a Lifeways supported living or residential service can take weeks or months. This is due to all the preparation and decisions that are made for a successful placement.
But what happens when individuals who require support find themselves in an urgent situation – meaning a speedy turnaround is essential?
That’s exactly what happened in October last year.
Back then, Nick, who’s in his fifties and lives in the Derby area, needed support. He had no place to stay, and was facing homelessness.
Sprinting into action
Working quickly, our Lifeways referrals team completed an urgent assessment of Nick’s support needs.
Meanwhile, Nick’s key workers at Derby City Council visited a Lifeways supported living service in Derby’s suburbs, which could meet Nick’s needs, while our team arranged a tenancy agreement with the landlord.
Within 24 hours, working together, the two teams sorted for Nick a complete assessment, risk surveys, and a support plan – alongside a bed, bedding, and logistics for his move.
Usually, our referrals team prefers to plan and prepare its placements well in advance, so that we’ve had every opportunity to know the individual beforehand.
Yet due to the urgency of Nick’s situation, these lengthy procedures were not an option. However, our support team made sure to be there every step of the way to help Nick through the speedy transition into the Derby supported living service.
‘A very natural connection’
“Nick settled quickly and took to his support team well, building up a very natural connection in a short space of time,” says Donna Bradley, the Registered Manager of the Derby service which supports Nick.
Nick’s move wasn’t the only sudden life change he underwent. Sadly, a week after moving into the supported living service, Nick attended his mother’s funeral, alongside his support team who supported him to prepare, arrange a suit, and say his last goodbyes.
Several months on, Nick is coping well and has settled in brilliantly. He feels at home among two other individuals he lives alongside – and has a cheeky sense of humour, and an eagerness to help others.
“From an emotional beginning to what has turned out to positive move, Nick is now looking forward to stamping his infectious personality on his room and to enjoy his forever home,” says Donna.
Great to hear you’ve settled in, Nick!
About Lifeways:
Lifeways is the UK’s largest team of support professionals providing supported living and residential care for adults in the community.
We support adults with diverse and complex needs, including learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and mental health conditions.
As the supported living sector’s largest team of professionals, Lifeways’ extensive experience and national reach mean we deliver extraordinary support to adults, enabling them to live fulfilling and independent lives in the community.
Our 11,000 colleagues currently support almost 5,000 individuals who live in our 1,500 supported living and residential services across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Find out more about how we change people's lives at: www.lifeways.co.uk
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