D R M INDEPENDENT LIVING
HELPING PEOPLE WITH COMPLEX NEEDS TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY RWP (Reside With Progress) provides high quality supported living accommodation for people with support needs, such as learning disability or autism, or for those who have an acquired brain injury. MARTIN, 44, lives in one of RWP’s properties in County Durham. He suffered a traumatic brain injury which had a devastating effect on his mental and physical wellbeing. With care and support from Accept Care he is now able to manage his finances and daily activities. Martyn started out working as a dish washer in a high street restaurant chain and worked his way up to the position of Head Chef. In 2010, he was involved in a serious road traffic accident. “I stepped off the bus and was knocked down by a car. I was in a coma for nine months and I ‘died’ three times. The accident left me with brain damage,” he explains. Serious injuries to his legs meant that Martyn had to undergo intensive physiotherapy and he was in a wheelchair for a while. “I got myself out of the wheelchair and now I have to use a walking stick”. During his recovery, Martyn felt like his life had fallen apart: “I started drinking and taking drugs. I felt like my life was over”. Before he was referred to RWP, Martyn was drinking heavily every day, and a
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stint in rehab didn’t help. He lived in a variety of hostels and care homes. “I’ve been pushed from pillar to post,” says Martyn. “I was in a hostel before I came here; it was awful with people breaking into my room and stealing my stuff. I was referred to this property and I moved in straight away”. With the care given by support provider Accept Care, everything changed for Martyn. “This place has actually saved my life - it got me off the drink and drugs and I’ve been clean for three years now. It’s marvelous, I’ve had a wonderful experience. The staff are tremendous, they go out of their way to help me”. The turnaround in Martyn’s life has been inspirational. He says: “I’m like a new man. Thanks to the staff here I can now manage my medication, my finances and live independently. I do my own shopping and cooking”. So what does the future hold for Martyn? “I’m looking for my own home now – I would love a two- bedroom bungalow. I’m feeling really positive!”
Accessible kitchen makeover
A recent kitchen renovation at a RWP property in Leeds had a big impact on James Martin and the people he shares his house with – they all have a learning disability and use wheelchairs. The kitchen renovation has included a lower level breakfast bar, so that it’s easily accessible for them. “James can now get into the
kitchen and is keen to do activities like baking or cooking prep. Before the renovation we had to do things like this at the dining room table which isn’t ideal,” says Nick Howe, their service support leader from CIC. In preparation for the new kitchen installation, everything was transferred to the adjacent sensory room including the fridge, which made life a little easier during the work. The new kitchen appliances are fully integrated and an electric hob bas been installed which is safer than a gas hob. The new modern kitchen was a big success. “It’s changed the whole dynamic of the house – it feels like a ‘Grand Design’ makeover!” says Nick. “All of the the people living here are in their senior years, and have had long spells living in institutions, so they deserve the home we’re making for them here.” Now that restrictions are lifting, James and his housemates are able to enjoy days out again to the coast and trips to the cinemas and the bowling alley, supported by CIC staff. “We love going to Blackpool,” says Nick. “Lockdown was hard for us being inside. Having an old kitchen that the tenants couldn’t access didn’t help. It’s great that they can now use the space safely.” To find out more about RWP, visit residewithprogress.org.uk. RWP is part of Progress Housing Group, and is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of supported living accommodation.
Author: Reside With Progress Website: residewithprogress.org.uk Twitter: @RWP_SL Facebook: @ResideWithProgress LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ residewithprogress/
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