Overview
William is 20 years old and loves spending time outdoors, learning about trains and playing word games. He is autistic, lives with a learning disability and communicates differently. In the past, he faced significant difficulties with behaviours of distress, which impacted his quality of life.
With the right support, his well-being has drastically improved. Last year, William and his family went on a holiday to Scotland, marking an incredible achievement. The trip was so meaningful that they returned again this year, building even more memories.
The trip exceeded all expectations. William spent countless hours at the beach, swimming with his father and support team and exploring the seaside with newfound confidence and joy.
The story of William
William previously faced significant challenges with behaviours of concern and found it difficult to navigate daily life. He became anxious about going to school and taking the bus, which led his father, Jonathan, to make a life-changing decision. Recognising his need for consistent support, Jonathan became William’s full-time caregiver, stepping away from work to dedicate himself to William’s needs for seven years.
Providing the right support for William became challenging for the entire family. Together, they decided they needed a holistic support system and dedicated team to create an environment where William would feel safe and protected. “As a result, our lives have done a complete 180, and I’ve managed to go out again for the first time in seven years, which is incredible.” – Jonathan, William’s father.
When our team began supporting William, they focused on understanding his unique needs and communication preferences. Although he displayed significant behaviours of concern, they were dedicated to enhancing William’s quality of life and improving the well-being of his entire family. Building trust and spending quality time with William helped the team design tailored approaches that best suited him.
The Impact of Meeting William’s Needs
Through proactive and consistent support from his family and support workers, William overcame significant behavioural challenges, especially when riding public transport and managing his impulsive behaviours. Now, William can enjoy a train ride, visit swimming pools and dine at restaurants with the people he loves the most.
“William’s world has expanded a lot since the care started; it was very limited up until then. He has now, and this is, you know, it’s hard to believe that I’m saying this: William, in the last 18 months, has been on a train for the first time. William’s been on a train now, which was lovely to see. Seeing him get off the
train on the platform, it was like he looked like a kid at Christmas, it was, his eyes were everywhere, and he was smiling, he was so happy.” – Jonathan.
Understanding his needs, our team developed a personalised care plan that enables William to live on his own terms. His improved quality of life fostered stronger and deeper relationships with his family, and his newly acquired skills and strengths became the foundation for his incredible achievements.
“Last year the carers came with us for the whole three-week holiday. And it’s the first time we’ve been coming here that Alison and I. Mia, who is our daughter, has had a full three-week holiday, which was amazing. And that was only really because of the carers being here.” – Jonathan.
How Meeting Our Team Changed Everything
Meeting our team gave William the support he needed to manage behaviours of concern and improve his quality of life. The consistent support he received was crucial in helping him feel safe and accepted, contributing to his overall well- being.
From the beginning, William’s support workers believed in him. They taught him new skills and encouraged him to explore new experiences. With their support, William has participated in trampolining, fishing, and even taking train rides. Last year, he and his family celebrated a significant milestone by travelling to Scotland, an experience that brought immense joy and marked a major achievement.
They returned to Scotland this year, having an incredible experience, and making valuable memories together. William was able to swim in the sea and explore the beach with his support workers and truly enjoy his holiday.
Throughout his journey, William has built a strong relationship with his support workers, founded on friendship and trust. This bond, along with his growth, has enabled him to enjoy everyday life and actively engage in the activities he loves.
“We took William fishing for the first-time last year, and he caught himself a fish for the first time. He loves it. He loves it. He loves being here. And it’s something that we have a calendar at home about.”
How Receiving the Right Support Can Transform Lives
With the right support, William’s quality of life has dramatically improved. He now enjoys greater independence and fulfilment, embracing each day with confidence. From visiting Scotland to engaging in his favourite hobbies, person-centred support has empowered him to live on his own terms.
Additionally, after several years of supporting William and seeing his many achievements and milestones, John developed a passion for helping others. Inspired by our team’s dedication to enhancing William’s quality of life, he transitioned into a role where he could support people with similar needs.
“It just, it doesn’t feel like work. And it’s lovely to think that I’m also making a difference in somebody else’s life. And I couldn’t be doing this unless I’d spent all those years with William.”
From building trust to developing new skills and reducing behaviours of concern, John and the support workers have played a key role in enhancing William’s well- being. Their shared dedication is a powerful example of how person-centred support can create lasting, positive change.
“Really, I think as with all parents, you only wish for your child is that they’re going to be happy. As long as William’s happy, then I’m happy. And William now is happy. a thousand times happier than William was prior to the care starting. He’s happy. I’m happy. It’s all good.”
