Pav’s journey towards independence

A young man supported by Lifeways is settling into a new chapter of independence in North Tyneside, thanks to the dedication of a specialist support team and a carefully planned transition from residential care. 

Pav moved into his own single-person supported living home earlier this year, marking a significant milestone in a journey that has taken him from a rural residential setting in Scotland, back to the North East and closer to his roots. The move followed a successful tender process last summer, when North Tyneside Council sought a provider to support Pav to live more independently in his community. 

Lifeways was awarded the opportunity and the team began several months of mobilisation work. Together with the local authority, the team carefully planned every aspect of Pav’s transition, and built a skilled and dedicated team around him. 

The result is single-tenancy supported living service in a terraced property that Pav now calls home. 

Building the right support 

Given the complexity of Pav’s needs, recruiting the right team members was essential. The focus was on finding individuals whose personalities and interests aligned with Pav’s. 

For Nikki Noble, Area Manager, and Lynsey Gallacher, Service Manager, honesty was key from the very beginning. Lynsey said: “We were completely honest with the team during the recruitment process about the challenges they might face, but also the opportunity they had to make a real difference.” 

This transparency helped to create a resilient and committed team, ready to provide consistent, person-centred support. With guidance from Lifeways’ Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) team, team members quickly built confidence in supporting Pav through day to day challenges and routines.  

“There have been some behaviour challenges, but the team have followed Pav’s support plans and come together so well,” Nikki added. “That’s down to the training we’ve had from the PBS team, and the way the team members have really worked together .” 

A successful transition 

Moving from a rural residential setting to an urban environment in North Tyneside was a significant change for Pav, but one he has handled with impressive resilience. 

The move also represented a shift in how Pav experiences daily life, from a more structured residential setting to greater independence and personal responsibility. 

“Pav was previously in a children’s care home, so we’re working hard to help him understand his responsibilities as an adult,” said Nikki. “We’ve already seen him mature, and his confidence has grown. Pav’s potential is just unreal.” 

Pav’s move included a high level of risk, and there were initial concerns that it could struggle to succeed.  However, the strong collaboration between the team, the Council and specialist services has delivered positive outcomes. 

Team members have shown flexibility and adaptability throughout, helping Pav settle in and build routines that support his wellbeing and independence. 

Looking ahead 

As the service now enters its embedding phase, the focus is on building on this strong foundation and continuing to support Pav’s development. 

For Lynsey and her team, this is only the beginning: “We’re really looking forward to the future and what we can do to support Pav. This is just the start of Pav’s journey,” she said. 

Nikki added: “I am so proud of Lynsey and the team and I’m looking forward to seeing how Pav can grow further and reach his full potential.” 

The success of Pav’s move highlights the impact of effective partnership working, thoughtful recruitment and committed support teams, and, most importantly, the possibilities that open up when people are given the chance to live more independently in their own home. 

For Pav, North Tyneside is not just a new location - it’s a place to shape his own future.