Harry’s story

How collaboration transformed accessing healthcare

At Options, we believe that meaningful support can transform lives. Since March 2023, Harry has been receiving dedicated, person-centred support from our team, following his time with a previous provider. In just over a year, Harry’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Together, we’ve worked alongside health professionals to prioritise his well-being and support him to take vital steps towards greater independence.

One of the standout areas of progress for Harry has been around his medical appointments. Previously, these were a significant source of anxiety, and after an unfortunate incident during a taxi journey to see his GP, Harry found himself unable to return to the surgery. But his support team didn’t give up. Armed with knowledge of ‘reasonable adjustments’ within healthcare settings, they arranged for GP visits to take place at Harry’s home. This small but important change ensured that he felt safe, secure, and in control of his healthcare experience.

Another major breakthrough has been in managing blood tests. In the past, these procedures were so anxiety-inducing that an ‘intervention team’ needed to be present. However, with calm, consistent support and the introduction of social stories – simple, visual tools designed to explain situations – Harry’s confidence grew. These resources helped him understand what would happen during a blood test, reducing fear and uncertainty. Now, Harry offers his arm willingly, and the intervention team has been able to step back, a testament to his incredible progress.

Social stories have been a game-changer for Harry. Introduced by his learning disability nurse, they have become an invaluable part of his support. Not only have they helped with medical procedures, but there are now plans to expand their use into other aspects of his life. As our team continues to receive further training, we’re excited to explore new ways these tools can support Harry’s understanding and independence.

Perhaps one of the most significant milestones for Harry has been preparing to visit the dentist again – something he hasn’t done since childhood. With the help of his support team and learning disability nurse, Harry was connected with an accessible NHS dental service. Clara and Rob from our Community & Inclusion Team provided videos, visual aids, and other helpful resources to make the experience more familiar and less daunting. Together, we helped Harry build the confidence he needed to take this important step.

Harry’s journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when support is tailored to individual needs, and when every challenge is met with creativity and compassion. With the right groundwork in place, Harry is now equipped to face future health challenges with confidence, knowing he has a team beside him every step of the way.

At Options, we’re proud to walk alongside Harry on his journey towards greater independence and well-being.