How Samantha thrives at her Lifeways supported living service in Coventry

Learning to cook, taking outdoor exercise classes and socialising more are three ways Samantha’s been keeping busy at her new home in a Lifeways supported living service.

Earlier this year, Samantha moved to Beech and Willow House, a custom-built supported living service for up to 24 adults who live with complex needs, including learning disabilities and autism.

Since moving in, Samantha’s wellbeing and enjoyment of life have grown so much - to the delight of her sister and Support Team.

Nervous

When Samantha first moved in, she was nervous and overwhelmed, said Caroline, Samantha’s sister.

Samantha lives with Down’s syndrome. She’d previously lived in an environment where she wasn’t developing her skills or independence.

After a smooth transition into the service, in just a few days, Samantha started to settle in.

“Her emotional development and increased self-confidence since moving in was notably evident in just her first week,” said Caroline, Samantha’s sister.

‘Massive progression’

Before long, Samantha’s social skills also began to grow – and she’s been keeping busy. She’s been enjoying exercise classes in the garden, and learning to cook, a “massive progression” from where she was.

“Although she is still a little shy and uncertain, her telephone conversations have gone from single-answer questions to a full-blown conversation of what her day has been like,” said Caroline.

Supporting Samantha at the service has been rewarding, said Declan Smith, the Manager of Beech and Willow House.

“Samantha was very shy at first, but has settled in well and is participating in activities with other individuals we support. Samantha has a brilliant sense of humour and she knows how to brighten up the day,” Declan added. “She is now part of our Beech and Willow House family.”

Rewarding future

Caroline, Samantha’s sister, adds: “The Support Team have been welcoming, friendly and polite - not only to Samantha but to the family as a whole. The future is brighter now and if the progress made by Samantha is anything to go by, she is going to have an amazing and rewarding future!

It’s great to support you, Samantha!

About Lifeways:

Lifeways is the UK’s largest team of professionals who support adults with complex needs to live vibrant, fulfilling lives in the community.

In 1,500 services across England, Scotland, and Wales, our 11,000 colleagues support almost 5,000 people.

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