Joe's story

Facing early challenges

When Joe first came to Rowan House, he faced many challenges. Living with paranoid schizophrenia, he often struggled to concentrate and could become restless or withdrawn. At times, his mental health difficulties led to self-neglect, chaotic behaviour and vulnerability to exploitation, such as being persuaded to give away his money. Alongside this, Joe had a history of alcohol use and difficulties maintaining his accommodation.

Struggles with relationships and tenancy

Early on, Joe faced safeguarding challenges that put his tenancy at risk. During this difficult period, engaging him in positive activities was a struggle, as he was reluctant to discuss his concerns with staff.

With time, patience and consistency from Joe’s Key Worker, Sharon, and staff, they continued to support Joe at his own pace, helping him to feel safe and build trusting relationships.

Building trust through support

With consistent support from his keyworker at Response, alongside the FACT team and other professionals, Joe began to build trust and take positive steps forward. Staff worked with him to help him keep his room clean, manage his belongings safely and look after his personal hygiene. Together, they developed practical routines, which involved supporting him with shopping and arranging regular trips to the barber and podiatrist.

As Joe’s confidence grew, so did his willingness to engage with staff and take part in activities that interested him.

A turning point

As Joe and his keyworker, Sharon, built a trusting relationship, she began to notice the things that brought him joy. One of those was travelling. Joe loved getting out and about on buses, and Sharon recognised that this passion could become an opportunity for him to experience something new.

Wanting to build on Joe’s growing confidence and independence, Sharon worked alongside Let’s Go Supported Holidays, a specialist organisation that supports people with additional needs to enjoy safe and supported holidays. Together, they planned Joe’s first holiday to the Isle of Wight.

In the weeks leading up to the trip, Sharon worked closely with Joe to help him prepare. She made sure he had everything he needed for his holiday, supported him to get a haircut and maintain his personal hygiene, and worked with Let’s Go Supported Holidays to ensure his medication and mental health needs would be fully supported while he was away. Their trained staff were able to administer Joe’s medication and provide the support he needed, giving everyone confidence that he could enjoy his holiday safely.

The holiday was a huge success. Joe embraced the experience, enjoyed exploring somewhere new and even celebrated his birthday while he was away. The team at Let’s Go Supported Holidays made the occasion even more special by surprising him with a birthday cake and gifts, creating wonderful memories.

The experience gave Joe the confidence to continue travelling.

Life today

Today, Joe is more settled and engaged. He continues to work on challenges like smoking in his room and attending dental appointments, but he is in a much more positive place than when he first arrived at Rowan House.

He enjoys taking part in activities, has stronger relationships with staff and peers, and continues to build on the progress he has made.

Earlier this year, Joe enjoyed another supported holiday to Wales, and he already has another trip to Blackpool planned later this year. Joe’s love of travelling, something Sharon recognised early on, is now becoming a reality.

Looking ahead

Joe may not always find it easy to express his feelings, but his journey speaks for itself. The trust he has built with staff, combined with his own determination, has helped him make remarkable progress.

As one of his support workers reflected, consistency and patience have been key in helping Joe move forward. Today, he has the confidence to make plans for the future, with more holidays, new experiences and exciting opportunities ahead.

Joe’s journey is a wonderful example of how the relationships our keyworkers build with the people they support, alongside collaboration with organisations like Let’s Go Supported Holidays, can unlock exciting new opportunities and help people achieve things they never thought possible.