Active Prospects Impact Report 2024. - Flipbook - Page 14
Transforming lives: Peter
Peter (not his real name) lives at one of our homes in
Redhill. He has a range of complex needs including
autism, severe learning disability, Pica, unspecified mood
disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD). Prior to moving into his new home, he had
spent long periods in hospital settings, with limited
independence or quality of life.
When he first moved into his home, he was quite reserved
and quiet. He wasn’t willing to engaging in activities and
would usually ask staff to leave his flat by saying ‘bye’
after getting food. He would only leave his flat to go to
the nearby shop.
He often grappled with mood swings and health
challenges, which left him feeling upset or anxious.
The complexity of his conditions were hard to manage,
particularly when combined. Pica, for instance, presents
many challenges with his diet and overall health. It
involves limiting the quantity of food to a reasonable
amount and preventing him from consuming potentially
harmful items, such as things from public bins or
cigarette butts and stones. ADHD makes it challenging
for him to participate in activities for any length of time,
while his unspecified mood disorder can exacerbate
other behaviours and tendencies. This might include the
compulsion to consume certain items, even taking them
from shops, residents, or staff.
Since moving into his home,
Peter has had a remarkable
turnaround. During the winter
of 2023, he experienced several
daily incidents, a reflection of his
undiagnosed seasonal depression.
However, by 2024, these episodes
became isolated occurrences.
This significant improvement is
attributed to several factors:
Stability and consistency:
With a stable and
supportive team, Peter has had the consistency he
needed to feel safe and happy. A new key working
team played a pivotal role in providing this muchneeded stability.
Healthier lifestyle: Peter began eating more
healthily, curbing the unhealthy habits linked to his
Pica condition. This change resulted in him feeling
more energetic and better overall. He has developed
a love of walking, joining his neighbours for walks
and finding pleasure in the shared activity and
the opportunity to socialise. Walking has become
part of his new lifestyle, giving him the freedom to
explore his local area.
Active participation: As well as walking, Peter
has enjoyed new experiences such as bowling with
his neighbours, visiting arcades, riding a bike and
enjoying funfairs. These new activities have not
only broadened his horizons but also contributed
significantly to his improved physical and mental
health, and reduction in challenging behaviours.
Social engagement: Peter started engaging
more with his friends, taking part in group activities
and building stronger social connections. He is now
a happy young man who is popular with his peers,
and unrecognisable from just a year ago.
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