Chloe is a young woman living in Shropshire with full-time support from her staff team.
Safe but limited
There was a turning point in Chloe's life about a year ago. She was in a stable and safe situation. But this wasn't enough for her. Chloe rarely left her house, spending most of her time in her bedroom. She had no real goals or ambitions; she felt stuck, and she knew she wanted something more from her life.
A new ambition
Things began to change one day when Chloe saw her social worker and said her goal was to live more independently, with less help. The social worker was supportive, but they would need to see a big change in Chloe's behaviour first. She must take responsibility and do more for herself before the change she wanted could happen. They started discussing responsibility. Chloe began to consider what responsibility might mean, in her life and in general.
Chloe's response has been a revelation to us all: she's working hard towards her goal.
Starting small
She started small, with her medication. Chloe used to rely on staff to make sure she had the meds she needed, and remind her to take them. With her new focus on responsibility, Chloe set her own reminders to take her meds. She also set reminders to re-order them when they were running low. It wasn't easy. She missed a few doses. But the main point was that this was now something Chloe took responsibility for.
Getting out and about
Another key part of the discussions was for Chloe to rely less on staff driving her to things. So Chloe started to look at local resources within walking distance. Because of her friendly nature, Chloe has now started to form relationships with people in these businesses. Her local pharmacist is a prime example. She recalls when Chloe used to come in with staff, would have her headphones on and not engage at all. The pharmacist has seen Chloe develop. Now she goes in by herself, she knows people's names and spends more time chatting than she does picking up her prescription.
Finding local resources
Same story with the local hairdresser and other shops, including the tattoo parlour. As you'll see from the photo, Chloe is enthusiastic about her ink and so far has four tattoos. She expresses who she is with her physical appearance.
In a short time, Chloe has gone from zero community involvement to going out regularly. She used a bus for the first time in years.
Only the beginning
This is only the beginning; Chloe wants to do so much more. With the right support and encouragement, she'll be able to live the expansive life she wants.
Frequent visits in her local neighbourhood broadened her outlook beyond her bedroom. She is taking to her bigger life with great enthusiasm.
Making a difference to people's attitudes
As importantly, Chloe has taught the people she interacts with locally to be more inclusive, simply by being who she is, and by engaging with them.
Many of our Everyone Everywhere stories are about the contributions people have made by volunteering and similar activities. This story is about the contribution someone has made simply by being themself.
