Overview
Do you know what it takes for someone to turn a chapter of uncertainty and waiting into a story of independence and personal growth?
Rylee spent some time in the hospital while waiting for a provider to support his real needs, longing for a life beyond its walls. During this challenging time, our Senior Registered Manager, Sarah Clifford, met Rylee to complete a thorough assessment and understand his immediate requirements, the potential to lead a more independent life through reliable support.
When we first met Rylee, he was experiencing residual trauma from a hospitalisation that marked a difficult chapter in his life. As Sarah Clifford recalls,
“When he first came to us, he was actually in a hospital and had been there for some time whilst he was waiting for a provider… It had gone horribly wrong for him, which has now impacted on him having almost trauma from that placement. So, for where we are now with Rylee, it’s amazing. When he first came, he had incidents every single day. And, you know, over the three-month period now, you know, we probably get an incident a week, which is an amazing achievement.”
📅 Rylee’s Journey with Leaf Complex Care: A Year of Growth and Greater Independence
July 2024 – A New Beginning
How does someone step from a place of confinement into a world where their choices matter?
Rylee had spent some period in hospital, a time marked by routines and restrictions that limited his independence. Like many in his situation, he longed for change and the freedom to reclaim his own life.
We agreed upon a transition plan after a long wait and careful planning.
This plan laid the foundation for a fresh start, guided by person-centred support, and marked the beginning of Rylee’s journey toward living life on his own terms.
August 2024 – Settling into Cherry Tree
On 3rd August, Rylee moved into Cherry Tree, his new home. For Rylee, Cherry Tree became the foundation for independence, confidence, and personal growth, where he could thrive in ways he hadn’t experienced before.
The first few weeks were challenging, but the team worked closely with him to plan his days and set his own goals. A personal sensory board was created to allow Rylee to express how he felt and communicate his daily plans with his staff.
December 2024 – A Family Christmas to Remember
Rylee had a special wish. It was to spend Christmas with his mother.
Benjamin Andrew, our multimedia specialist, and the therapy team created an animated social story to prepare Rylee for the day’s journey and activities.
The plan worked beautifully.
The visit was a joyful success. He also attended his mum’s 50th birthday, which Sarah describes as a milestone moment:
“We managed to support him to go to his mum’s for her 50th birthday… it was a success and incident-free. The amazing thing is that Rylee managed to keep it a secret. Mum had no idea he was coming, which was just amazing.” – Sarah Clifford.
January 2025 – Following His Passions
Rylee expressed his dream of working with animals and asked for help attending college and enrolling in a specific course. With full support from his team, he joined a college Animal Care NVQ course, attending one day a week at first.
His confidence grew so much that he now attends two full days per week.
This marks a significant milestone in his personal and educational growth.
Spring 2025 - Finding Joy Outdoors
Rylee’s days became filled with outdoor adventures.
He loves going to parks, walking, and meeting new people in his community.
Every day, he planned his park visits, building new friendships and routines that made him happy.
July 2025 – Celebrations and Giving Back
Two remarkable achievements shaped this month:
- Carnival Visit: Rylee wanted to attend a carnival at his old school to see his family and the Head Teacher who had previously supported him. The visit was carefully planned so that Rylee could attend and have an amazing day, which in the end he did.
- Volunteering: Rylee began voluntary work at Sheldon Country Park, caring for animals he visits daily. His passion and commitment brought him a sense of purpose and belonging.
By mid-2025, Rylee had found his rhythm. He ventured out more, rediscovered his confidence, and embraced his independence.
Sarah proudly shares:
“He’s going out more, walking a lot more… and there is significant weight loss, which for Rylee is a really big deal.”
He now balances his studies with volunteering, socialising, and pursuing his interests in laminating, swimming, and train-spotting. His days are his own and built around the things that make him happiest.
September 2025 – Family Reunited
Rylee attended the Catalyst Family Day, where his family surprised him by joining the event. It was a joyful day, full of smiles and connection, the kind of experience that shows how far he has come since leaving hospital just a year before.
Rylee’s journey reminds us that transformation is inevitable when people are given the tools, trust, and time to lead their own lives.
“For where we are now with Rylee, it’s amazing,” Sarah concludes. “He’s living a life that truly belongs to him.”
Living Life in His Way
Today, Rylee lives in a home where his personal preferences guide every aspect of care. It’s a place where he continues to grow, explore, and chase his dreams.
During the holidays, the team spent time with Rylee, capturing the little moments of happiness as he eagerly unwrapped his presents, which truly gave meaning to our work at Leaf Complex Care.
