Supported Living

Case Studies

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  Arlene's story

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  Arlene, 44, is supported by CIC to live independently in her own home in Runcorn, Cheshire. She also works one day a week as a HR assistant at CIC’s Head Office in Widnes…

  Arlene joined CIC in 2007 after deciding it was time to leave her family house and move into a home of her own. Enjoying her new found independence, Arlene is now leading a very active life, working and socialising, but still enjoys nothing more than a night on the sofa watching her favourite soaps!

  Andrea, who leads Arlene’s support team says: “Every day, Arlene is always up to something different, I can just about keep up! If she’s not working at one of her jobs – either as a HR assistant for CIC, or behind the counter at our local café, she’s out having a meal with friends, or going to the cinema; last month it was watching Kylie in concert (look how chuffed she was showing off her ticket!), as well as doing a live performance with her drama group! But, while her social schedule is jam-packed, Arlene does also likes to spend time at home watching all the soaps. She’s also very house proud, so does all her own washing, cooking and cleaning.”

  “Leaving home was a big step for Arlene’s; she’s got a really close and loving family who were all sad to see her go, but she has really flourished having her own independence and as her mum and dad are only just around the corner, she’s always popping back for cuppa!” says Andrea.

  Arlene says: “I love living here at Brookvale with my friend Carole. We have a great time going out and about , I love having my own house.”

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  Shirley's story

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  Meet Shirley, 51. Twenty years ago she became the first person in the country with complex needs to live independently in her own home. Mary, Shirley's support worker, tells us more...

  “My name is Mary and I have supported Shirley to live in her own home for over twenty years. Amazingly, Shirley became the first person in the country with complex disabilities to ever live in their own home, when CIC supported her to move out of an institutional hospital in Liverpool more than two decades ago.

  I feel so proud of Shirley seeing how far she has come in this time. Twenty years ago there weren’t the same opportunities for people with profound disabilities as there are now, so Shirley lived a life of routine with little independence.

  Having her own place made a world of difference to Shirley. She blossomed living a comfortable environment where she is surrounded by a staff team who really care for her and want to see her content and stimulated.

  We have discovered the things that make her happy – enjoying the bright lights and sounds of the theatre, being pampered with aromatherapy, or a trip to our local hydrotherapy pool. We also work hard to make sure she is as healthy as possible, working with other professionals such as physiotherapists and nutritionists, as well as drawing upon the skills and experience available to us within CIC.

  The result of all of these efforts are that Shirley lives a happy and fulfilled life, and although she cannot say how she feels, her smile lets us know that we are doing a good job.”

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  Andrew's story

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  Andrew McCrorie, 47, is supported by CIC to live in his own home in Newcastle. Here he tells us more about his active life up North…

  “Since coming to live at Addison Close, my life’s been busier than ever but I love it!”, exclaims Andrew. “I get on really well the team who support me; they’re more like friends than anything and they’re always encouraging me to try new things and be more independent.”

  Andrew’s personalised service means that his support is focused solely on him and ensuring that he has the opportunity to achieve his own personal goals and aspirations. “I’ve done things that I’d never dreamed I’d do since moving here,” says Andrew. “I’ve now got not one, but two part-time jobs, and when I’m not busy working, I’m enjoying lots of new activities, like Tao Chi and walking in the Lake District.”

  “Before I moved here I was really scared of heights, but standing at the top of the famous Loughrigg Fell, I realized how much my confidence had grown. My goal now is to walk to the 3000ft summit of Scafell Pike, which is a scary prospect, but something I definitely believe I could do and I know I will have my staff team to support me every step of the way. I just need to find some time in my busy schedule to start training!” laughs Andrew.