Category: Success Stories

Joe had always lived with his parents, and his life was structured and predictable, with support from Options’ outreach team from 10am to 3pm, five days a week. This routine provided him with stability and comfort.

At 53, Joe faced a series of personal tragedies that made it impossible for him to stay in his family home. Moving into his own flat was overwhelming but necessary. This transition brought new challenges: unfamiliar surroundings, new routines, and different support staff.

Joe, who does not use words to communicate, initially found the change difficult. He spent most of his time alone in his bedroom, avoiding common spaces and sticking to his familiar habits. His interactions with support staff were brief and functional. The support staff respected his need for space and did not force conversations or activities on him.

Over time, the consistent and patient support helped Joe adjust. Support workers learned to read his non-verbal cues and respected his pace. They provided quiet reassurance through their presence, without making demands or having expectations.

Gradually, Joe began to venture out of his bedroom. He started by standing in the lounge, then sitting at the dining table while a staff member prepared tea. Eventually, he began spending time in the lounge with the staff, enjoying the quiet company.

Joe’s flat transformed from a place of existence to a home where he felt he belonged. Because of the way Joe was supported, his confidence continued to grow. With the right support, Joe was able to rebuild his life at his own pace and in his own way.

Joe’s journey highlights the importance of patient, consistent support in helping people adjust to significant life changes. By respecting Joe’s pace and providing a stable environment, the Options support staff helped him find a sense of belonging and independence in his new home.

Most of us fondly remember our first festival, often a vibrant experience that typically happens in our early 20s, where we become completely immersed in the music, the lively atmosphere, and the freedom of dancing in our wellies on a muddy field. For Anne, however, her debut festival experience arrived in her 60s. Despite being in her 60s, Anne didn’t allow age to hold her back—she joined the lively crowd with infectious energy. Upon our arrival, she eagerly set up her camping chair in the heart of the field, soaking in the atmosphere as she listened to a few artists on the main stage, joyfully clapping and swaying with the music.

The moment Anne treated herself to a bucket hat, the true festival experience truly came alive. No longer content with sitting, she excitedly made her way to one of the other tents, positioning herself at the barrier to catch a glimpse of a Smiths tribute band. Though she wasn’t familiar with their music, it didn’t matter to her; she celebrated in their enthusiastic performance, determined to create excitement as she danced joyfully to the rhythm. When the tribute Morrissey singer tossed his flowers into the crowd, Anne enthusiastically called out for him to throw one her way, and he did, which made Anne’s day.

As the afternoon unfolded, the weather began to shift. Dark clouds rolled in, and the first raindrops fell, with some festival-goers hurriedly seeking shelter while others embraced the rain as part of the experience. Anne, sporting her bucket hat, chose to remain near the main stage, steadfast in her refusal to let the weather dampen her spirits. The rain added an unexpected intensity to the festival’s atmosphere, making the experience all the more memorable. The crowd continued to pulse with energy, and as the music played on, people danced joyfully in the rain, transforming a potential setback into an exhilarating highlight.

Even amid the wet conditions, Anne’s day at the Look-A-Like Festival remained overwhelmingly positive and enriching. She stepped beyond her comfort zone, savoured incredible live performances, and wholeheartedly

embraced the festival spirit. By the time the event wrapped up, she felt a rush of exhilaration and was certain this wouldn’t be her last encounter with the magic of music festivals. That day gifted her not just a newfound appreciation for live music, but also a sense of adventure, and the realisation that sometimes, the most beautiful experiences arise from embracing the unexpected.

An unfortunate reality that many people with learning disabilities face is having limited life experiences, such as going to your first festival. As music events often lack the necessary reasonable adjustments and accessibility. Hence why people like Anne do not have these experiences until later in life. Our Inclusion Coordinator, Clara, recognised this gap and understood that many of the people we support miss out on these incredible experiences altogether. As an avid music lover and dedicated festivalgoer, Clara organised for people to attend this local tribute festival known for its accessibility, hoping it would serve as a stepping stone toward attending more mainstream festivals in the future.

How Options connects Support Workers for success

Support Worker Liam, has had the privilege of supporting Peter for a few years now, and it’s inspiring to see how well known Peter is for his incredible talent in tennis and table tennis. With a collection of medals that includes a gold from the Shanghai Special Olympics at just 15 years old and a recent win of the Beryl Jarvis Open Cup for the second time, Peter is always up for a challenge running as well.

Together, they gradually built up his stamina with the goal of completing a 5K race. They continued to train together, and Peter has now completed 5K races multiple times and remains an enthusiastic runner. While he still participates in all his usual activities, running has become crucial for his mental health. He often shares how it gives him a sense of freedom and helps him achieve other goals in life.

How collaboration transformed accessing healthcare

Accessing effective healthcare has been a significant barrier in Harry’s life, but through collaboration, his support team has made remarkable strides in prioritising his health and well-being. By working closely with various healthcare professionals, they have created a solid foundation for Harry to face new challenges.

Working collaboratively with Harry’s Learning Disability nurse, Mike, Social Stories and reasonable adjustments have been implemented, enabling Harry’s health services to be much more accessible. Home GP visits are now standard practice, transforming what used to be a daunting process for regular blood tests. Previously requiring drug interventions and an intervention team, these tests now run smoothly. Harry now confidently offers his arm for bloodwork, removing the need for medications or the intervention team’s presence.

The use of Social Stories has significantly enhanced Harry’s understanding of his healthcare journey. This collaborative approach extends to Options’ support staff, who are receiving training to apply these stories in other areas of his care. Harry is also on track to receive dental care after years without a visit, thanks to a partnership with an accessible dentist. Resources like videos and visual aids from the NHS “Team Smile” have helped to give Harry clarity on what to expect. Harry is now better equipped to tackle these challenges with increased confidence and support, demonstrating the power of collaboration and teamwork

From DJ aspirations to meaningful connections

Lee is perhaps best known to Options for his love of music and his aspiration of becoming a DJ – an ambition he realised not long ago after completing a music course in DJing and performing a set at a local nightclub. By actively listening to Lee’s desires, the staff were able to support him in achieving his goals.

Recently, Lee recognised a shift in his priorities and decided to focus on finding meaningful connections. He advocated for himself, seeking support to engage in social activities, particularly dating. With the guidance of his support team, Lee explored his options and made plans to attend a regular club night in Birkenhead. Initially, he needed assistance to go, but over time, his confidence grew, and now he attends independently. This support has enabled Lee to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and even introduce us to his girlfriend.

Lee’s journey is about more than dating; it’s about reclaiming his confidence and stepping boldly into a life filled with less anxiety and more empowerment. His new relationship is blossoming, reflecting the deep connection they’ve built. Lee is now more involved in his community and no longer held back by fear. “This isn’t just about dating or socialising— it’s about owning your choices and advocating for the life you want.”

Two Toms conquer Moel Famau with the right support and aspirations

Sharing stories and celebrating great outcomes is part of who we are at Options. Through demonstrating how anything is possible for the people we support given the right information and the right support, we hope to inspire others.

One way we do this is through using social media to share photos and stories of great achievements. After Team Leader Katherine, noticed a post we shared about others climbing Moel Famau, she was inspired. Katherine proposed the idea of the two Toms tackling the mountain to the team, and together, they worked to make it happen. Ensuring the plan remained person-centred by finding a route that was appropriate for both Tom and Tom’s abilities they were able to maximise the possibility of them reaching the top. Supported by Katherine and Kevin Flynn, Tom and Tom set off on their adventure, despite concerns that they might lose interest. But they didn’t quit!

Not only did they reach the summit, but they also enjoyed a well-earned picnic with breathtaking views. Tom McNally savoured every moment, taking his time to appreciate the scenery, while Tom Nelson had so much energy that he practically sprinted down the mountain! Katherine, on the other hand, was left in awe, wondering how Tom managed to keep going so effortlessly. Pictures were sent to their proud parents, showcasing their sons’ incredible achievement. This story, like many others we share, is a powerful reminder that when we share our adventures, we inspire others to take on new challenges.

From zoom sessions to global recognition

With support from Options, Tess embarked on an inspiring art adventure that began during lockdown when she joined her friend Tom’s “Blue Zoom” online art sessions. Support staff at
Options recognised how much joy these sessions brought her, actively listening and paying attention to her enthusiasm. They understood that once lockdown ended, helping Tess transition to in-person sessions would be essential for her growth.

At Options, person-centred support is at the core of everything we do, and Tess’s support was tailored to ensure she could fully engage in these opportunities. Thanks to her dedication and undeniable talent, along with the right support from her team, Tess’s artistic journey has taken off. In 2024, Tess achieved two major commissions that highlight her powerful creative voice. One of these, titled “Horse Big”, was commissioned by Bluecoat and prominently displayed on a billboard near Blue Room’s workshop and gallery in Liverpool.

This vibrant piece reflects Tess’s deep connection to the outdoors, featuring bold depictions of animals and nature through her unique lens. Most recently, Tess secured a significant opportunity with the global brand LUSH, where her art will be featured on their Advent gift range, reaching audiences worldwide. This milestone is a testament to her hard work and perseverance. Tess’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and self-advocacy, and with the continued support from Options, this is just the beginning. Keep an eye on her inspiring path ahead!