Meet Jess – the 22-year-old who trains her support staff

The first person to move into a brand-new Lifeways supported living service in South Tyneside isn’t just settling in – she’s helping shape how the service runs.

“For the first time in my life, I feel surrounded by people who not only care, but are committed to helping me grow and thrive,” said 22-year-old Jess who lives at our new service in Jarrow.  

Before moving in, Jess made a bold request to design her own support plan and deliver training to the team who would be supporting her.   

As a social care provider that puts co-production at the heart of its work, Lifeways was more than happy to say “yes”.  

Jess has created and is delivering engaging sessions to five frontline team members and an area manager, covering everything from her autism diagnosis and sensory needs to crisis support strategies and building trusted relationships.  

Sophie Sayer, a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner with Lifeways, said: “She had the entire room engaged. We were crying with laughter at times. Jess’s insight, humour and intelligence were clear from the moment she started speaking. She genuinely moved the people in the room. It’s rare to see someone so young take such ownership over their care in this way.”

Jess has experienced several care placements throughout her life, but says the move to the new Jarrow service feels like a turning point.  

“Since moving into Lifeways, I’ve felt a sense of relief – I can finally breathe again,” she said.  

Jess said that in previous placements, support plans were created for her instead of by her so didn’t always deliver the support she needed.  

“For as long as I can remember, my support plans were created by professionals who, while well-intentioned, were not me,” she said.   

“They worked with the information they had – but it wasn’t all of me. I now understand what person-centred care really means, and how it allows individuals not only to access meaningful support but to live fulfilling lives. That’s what I wanted for myself.”  

Jess has been actively involved in every support planning meeting since moving in and continues to guide the development of her care.   

Sophie added: “She’s helping us grow as professionals, just as we’re here to support her to thrive.”   

Lifeways was selected by South Tyneside Council to provide 24/7 support at two new supported living services in the area – Concorde Way in Jarrow and Hedgeley Road in Hebburn. 

Cllr Ruth Berkley, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence, said: “We’ve worked with Karbon Homes to build these specialist facilities for people exactly like Jess - individuals with incredible potential who simply need the right environment to flourish. Here, they can live independently, with the right care and support close at hand. 

“It’s about creating homes, not just housing, where people can thrive with dignity and confidence.” 

Developed in partnership with Karbon Homes, these flagship services are designed to support people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs live more independently.