Last year, we shared the news that Jake had moved into his very first home after more than 20 years in hospital.
For all of his adult life, Jake, who is autistic and has a learning disability, lived in secure mental health settings. Moving into his own home was a huge step, which came after careful planning, patience and belief in what was possible.
When we first told Jake’s story, he was just beginning to settle in and discover what home really meant to him. A year on, he’s thriving. Jake has grown in confidence, is more relaxed and content, and is surrounded by people who help him live life his own way.
These days, Jake’s weeks are shaped around the things he enjoys most. He’s a regular at his local pub, loves walks in the park, and is becoming a well-known face in his community. His neighbours often stop for a chat, and the staff at the nearby Audi dealership, who know his love of cars, always welcome him in to sit behind the wheel and rev the engines.
Jake’s home has become a place filled with laughter, music and calm. On tougher days, his team are there with reassurance and understanding; on good days, they share in his joy and sense of pride. Together, they’ve created an environment where Jake feels safe to be himself and to make choices about how he spends his day.
For Jake, being able to choose for himself is still quite new, but with each decision, he’s regaining his independence; whether it’s choosing what to have for lunch or where to go on a sunny afternoon. Jake is supported to move at his own pace, and with support from MacIntyre’s Compassion First approach, both he and his team can focus on his strengths and interests, helping him take each step with confidence.
Over the past year, Jake’s days have become beautifully ordinary – and that is extraordinary given his past.
Walking into Jake’s home now, you’d find something wonderfully ordinary: a man enjoying life, surrounded by people who genuinely care about him. Here, he’s safe, happy and truly at home.
