‘’We are blessed in Jack’s package of care with 4 excellent carers, who have taken Liz and me years to put together. Steve, Neil, Emma and Eustas are so kind, loving and helpful to our Jack and have helped to make his life so much better.’’
– Jim, Jack’s father.
Meet Jack
How would it feel if your world is packed into a suitcase every 28 days?
When we met Jack in 2021, he was going through one of the most difficult times of his life. Autistic, and living with ADHD and epilepsy, he suddenly had just 28 days to leave his residential service due to safeguarding concerns. With no suitable home available, his family worked tirelessly with their MDTs and even their local MP to find a solution.
In the meantime, Jack had to move every 28 days between temporary homes, including Airbnb’s and holiday homes. How many people experience the same upheaval but never find the right support? Our Rapid Response teams supported him through each move, carrying out risk assessments, ensuring safety, and helping with logistics. This continued for 18 months until Jack finally moved into a home built around his needs.
Today, he is settled and happy in what he proudly calls his forever home.
‘’ Jack’s life has changed immeasurable for the better since getting his own home. He doesn’t like change, so having the security of knowing where his home is and not moving around every month or so as he was doing previously has removed most of the anxiety he was suffering from. From myself and Liz’s perspective it is wonderful seeing him so settled and happy. Also, we are only 10-15 mins away from him, which is wonderful. ’’
– Jim, Jack’s father.
Jack’s Achievements to Date
When we first began overseeing Jack’s support, monthly MDT meetings were in place due to earlier concerns about his care. After seeing the consistency and quality of support we provided within just a few months, the MDT confirmed these meetings were no longer needed.
What happens when the right support arrives? Since moving into his forever home, Jack has started flourishing, finding stability, joy, and a renewed sense of independence with the right environment. So far, Jack has:
- Gained a more positive mood and improved well-being. He is often smiling, happy, and ready to enjoy his day.
- Started reconnecting with the things he loves:
- Jack enjoys day trips to Longleat and loves spending time at the beach, where he is at his happiest.
- Jack has been able to go swimming again (due to robust risk assessments), something that brings him great fulfilment, despite the challenges of living with epilepsy.
- With the support of occupational therapy, he now has equipment and meaningful activities to enjoy at home, even on rainy days.
- A life filled with fun and purpose. For Jack, the perfect day is simple but special, a trip to the seaside, fish and chips or ice cream, and quality time enjoying what he loves most.
- Built stronger relationships. Jack’s trust has grown between Jack and Steve, Neil, Emma and Eustas (his support workers), us as a care provider and Jack’s parents. His family are closely involved, with weekly communication and ongoing collaboration in planning his care. This has helped rebuild confidence after the instability of his previous placements.
‘’Steve has opened up Jack’s whole world. He understands him, they have an amazing bond, and we know, as his parents, Jack trusts Steve implicitly. Through Steve’s lead, the other careers have realised there is almost nothing our Jack can’t do. Steve has given Jack the opportunity to become a valued member of the community, and, I hope, his friend.’’
– Liz, Jack’s mother.
Future Goals for Jack
Jack’s care journey is just the beginning of a chapter filled with exciting possibilities and new opportunities. His team are working with him and his family to support:
- Taking positive risks: One key goal is to help Jack take a train journey again, which he enjoyed as a child but has not done for years. This will be approached step by step, making the experience safe and enjoyable.
- Living a healthy lifestyle: Jack’s team are encouraging small, sustainable steps towards healthier living, including gradual weight loss, without ever taking away the joy he finds in food and fun.
- Building independence: Jack has already been part of the daily chores, and the next step is supporting him to prepare his own meals, such as making his favourite sandwiches.
- Creating joyful experiences: Plans are underway for a beach barbecue, which perfectly combines his love for the seaside with his love of food. The initial plan is to have a celebration and hope to have his family alongside, so we can all cherish these moments.
For Jack to thrive, his family’s love and involvement remain central, ensuring every decision is made with warmth, trust, and the shared vision of giving him the best possible life.
‘’We are and always will be involved in Jack’s life. The experience of seeing, kissing and hugging Jack is something that we don’t ever want to lose. Being informed is too cold and unhelpful to us as Jack’s parents. We need to be fully involved in every facet of Jack’s life.’’
– Jack’s parents.
