Liam is 29. He’s autistic. And like many people, he wants a place that feels safe, familiar and his own. However, for a long time, Liam didn’t have that.
He spent more than five years living in secure settings, which were both close to home and sometimes a long way away. Those places kept him safe, but they didn’t help him feel settled or understood.
Liam needed a home and support shaped around who he is.
Understanding what Liam needed
Liam experiences the world in his own way. He needs space to move around, and different rooms for different things. This helps him understand what’s happening around him and feel safe.
When things feel overwhelming, Liam uses behaviour to communicate how he’s feeling. In the past, this sometimes led to damage in homes that weren’t right for him, and to long periods in restrictive settings.
The people around Liam knew there had to be a better way, through understanding him and giving him the time and space to be himself.
A different way forward
Manchester’s Complex Support Framework brought together people from housing, health and social care to think carefully about Liam’s future.
Manchester ICB commissioned MacIntyre to support Liam using our Compassion First approach. This starts with listening, building trust and understanding what someone’s behaviour is telling us.
For Liam, this meant support shaped by his past experiences, a consistent team who know him well, and Positive Behaviour Support focused on helping him have a good quality of life, using the least restrictive options possible.
MacIntyre’s behaviour specialists worked closely with Liam’s day-to-day team and other professionals in his life, so everyone was working in the same direction, with shared understanding.
Creating a home that fits Liam
Liam’s new home was designed using what was already known about what helps him feel calm and settled.
Working alongside his hospital team, MacIntyre’s behaviour specialists helped shape a home that reduces stress, offers space and supports Liam through difficult moments without restraint.
The house includes carefully chosen safety features, thoughtful details throughout, and plenty of room inside and out. There are calming spaces, like a sensory room, and things Liam enjoys, including his swing.
It’s a home designed around Liam.
Moving into his own place
In October 2025, Liam moved into his new home in Wigan. The move was planned slowly and carefully, with time taken to build trust and familiarity.
Soon after, a member of the wider professional team visited and said:
“He greeted me and proudly took me around, showing me every part of his new home.”
Liam’s social worker shared that they had never seen him so happy.
Supporting Liam day to day
Liam’s support is built around understanding his communication.
Structure and routine help him feel safe. Over time, the team is working with Liam to reduce restrictions and support him to express himself in safer, clearer ways.
Just a few months in, Liam is relying less on behaviours of concern. With staff consistently using picture cards, skills he had previously lost are beginning to return.
Looking after emotional wellbeing
Liam uses soothing behaviours to help manage his emotions. One of these is shredding items like duvets and mattresses.
The people around Liam recognised how important this is for his wellbeing. Manchester ICB agreed to fund these items, making sure Liam can express himself without worry.
A new chapter
Liam now has a home where he feels safe, understood and settled.
With the right support alongside him, he’s building a life that works for him.
