Life before Response
When Shaun moved to Response’s Scrutton Close supported housing service, he was struggling with many aspects of daily life. Shaun has diagnoses of paranoid schizophrenia, generalised anxiety disorder and social anxiety (social phobia), which had a significant impact on his wellbeing and everyday life. He also experienced significant levels of stress. He found it difficult to maintain his flat and personal hygiene and experienced regular nightmares, delusions, and visual and auditory hallucinations, often leaving the project because of what he was hearing and seeing. He also spent much of his time alone, rarely joining activities or spending time with other residents.
A different approach:
When Shaun arrived at Scrutton Close, he had a care package in place because he had previously been unable to maintain his flat independently. However, as staff got to know him, they recognised that with patience, consistency and the right support, Shaun could develop the skills and confidence to live more independently and take greater control of his day to day life.
Shaun’s social worker agreed that he no longer needed a care package and that better progress could be made working with the support of the Scrutton Close team.
Staff worked alongside Shaun to build routines that would last. They began by supporting him with a weekly flat clean, encouraging him to maintain his home, manage his laundry and look after his personal hygiene. Over time, that support reduced as Shaun became more independent.
Today, he maintains his own flat to a good standard, manages his own medication, attends appointments independently and actively bids for permanent housing. Following a change in his medication, Shaun began to experience fewer difficulties with his mental health. Combined with the support around him, this has helped him feel more settled and look ahead with renewed confidence.
"The staff have been very lovely. I'm excited to move to Newman Court and feel happy about the fact that the staff will remain the same."
Shaun
Reconnecting with others
The biggest change in Shaun’s journey has been overcoming isolation.
When he first arrived, Shaun would usually only leave his flat to visit the local shop before returning home. He would not join group activities and preferred to collect his meals and eat alone. Staff took the time to explore what might help Shaun reconnect with others, and together they identified the befriending service as something he might enjoy. When Shaun felt ready, staff supported him to access the service.
Today, Shaun regularly spends time with his volunteer befriender, visiting museums, cafés and going for walks. He also enjoys taking part in activities at Scrutton Close, including garden barbecues, picnics and day trips. After every outing, he enjoys sharing his experiences with staff and telling them what he has been doing.
Looking ahead
Shaun has now made the move into Response’s Transitional service, Newman Court, where he will continue to be supported by the same staff team. He has embraced this next step with confidence, knowing that familiar faces and continued support will be there to help him along the way.
Shaun’s journey reflects the value of patience and perseverance. By giving him time to adjust to small changes, learn new skills and put them into practice, the Scrutton Close team supported him to build confidence, develop greater independence and look forward to the future.