‘The move will help future-proof my life’: arts student Robert prepares for transition to supported living

Robert, who’s in his thirties, is preparing to transition from a home setting – his dad’s house - to a Lifeways supported living service.

He’s set to move into Queen Oaks Court, a Lifeways supported living service in Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent. When the service opens this autumn, he’ll be one of the first people to move there.

Robert, who’s an artist by profession, is currently completing a Master’s Degree in disability within art at Staffordshire University.

“I mainly focus and am best skilled with painting and a bit of digital artwork and some sculpture - but mainly painting,” says Robert. The artist’s work includes private commissions and sketches and graphics for the Newcastle-under-Lyme heritage trail.

Getting involved

Robert hopes that his artwork will lead him to a job – and he’s looking forward to moving to Queen Oaks Court.

“I think the move will both improve my independent living skills and help to future-proof my life,” he says.

He’s also hoping to get involved with decorating Queen Oaks Court - perhaps with a mural or wall paintings.

“Robert has a very rare talent and keen eye for art and that we want to support him to have the confidence to sing this from the rooftops,” said Lisa Reynolds, Lifeways’ Enquiry, Referral and Assessment Manager for the West Midlands.

Lisa was involved in assessing Robert’s suitability for the supported living service.

“At Lifeways, we specialise in supporting people to transition from very varied settings – including parent’s homes – so we look forward to providing a best-of-both-worlds balance to Robert of independence coupled with support when needed or desired.”

We’d love to see your art at our service, Robert!

About Queen Oaks Court:

When it opens this autumn, Queen Oaks Court will be home to 16 people living in self-contained apartments. The service, which is located in Bucknall, is just a few minutes from the City Centre by car.

Queen Oaks Court is suitable for people with learning disabilities, brain injuries, physical disabilities or autism.

About Lifeways:

Lifeways is the UK’s largest team of support professionals providing support for adults in the community.

We support adults with diverse and complex needs, including learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and mental health conditions. 

As the supported living sector’s largest team of professionals, Lifeways’ extensive experience and national reach mean we deliver extraordinary support to adults, enabling them to live fulfilling and independent lives in the community. 

Our 11,000 colleagues currently support almost 5,000 individuals who live in our 1,500 supported living and residential services across England, Scotland, and Wales. 

Find out more about how we change people's lives at: www.lifeways.co.uk  

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