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support our clients emotionally and signpost them to olebrook has been supporting vulnerable adults for other services as appropriate. over 35 years. Over the years, like other charities we Where do we do this? have had to respond to local need, take opportunities as We have eight supported living projects in Plymouth – but they’ve arisen and adapt to a changing world, so we look some people receive support in their own home. quite different now than we did then! We have many success stories – here’s a letter of thanks Who are Colebrook Support Services? from just one of our clients: We are a local charity who supports vulnerable adults ‘When I first moved into a Colebrook accommodation, to lead independent and fulfilling lives. Some people I was a complete mess, and without any direction. But find managing a home, having relationships and being in time, I started a journey to get my healthy and happy quite challenging, so life in check and a journey my support at Colebrook, we aim to teach everyone workers were with me on, they believed to have the skills to live as independently in me when I did not. It was enough as possible. Our clients are usually to spur me on and to fight my battles people who have a severe and enduring and demons. Very early on I knew my mental health condition, a learning support workers were with me, and not disability, or are vulnerable in some to do it for me, I had to do it for myself. other way, maybe they have experienced They of course encouraged me. trauma in their lives or were never ‘At first, I did start slipping back, but quite taught the skills that are needed to I spoke to all my support workers and manage in everyday life. started to believe in myself. I found How we do this strength and the fight I never knew I We find out what area a person may had, but with thanks to Colebrook, I have difficulties in – initially, we all knew I could do it, I just had to put my need shelter, food and warmth. We mind to it. then get to know the person better and At Colebrook, we ‘So, I worked hard, and I made a aim to teach people the skills to meet other needs and develop a plan with aim to teach everyone commitment to myself to never hurt myself ever again, to never give up like I did in my our clients to address other areas. For to have the skills to past – giving up is not an option!! example, do they have any debt? Can live as independently ‘Today I am finally free from my past the client look after their home and keep me like it did. Life is to be safe? Are they meeting their nutritional as possible The network ofaffecting sensors, including scientific datafull buoywith networks and cherished and lived to the and health needs? Can they understand autonomous vessels in Plymouth Sound my dog I never thought I would have. any medication and manage any symptoms? Thank you to you all for being with me on my journey.’ But life isn’t all about paying the bills and running a Then and now home! We also support people to improve their quality When we opened in 1983, our organisation only provided of life through their friends and relationships. Hobbies, direct support services as described above. Now we have recreation and spiritual needs are addressed and of many other teams and services including the Healthwatch course, meaningful activity and good citizenship such service for the whole of Devon, the Headspace and as work, study and volunteering. Throughout all this we
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