Life in the Community case studies

Watch these and other peoples' stories on video.

Ann's story

Nobody who lived nearby noticed Ann; no one talked to her or acknowledged her. She was supported to start a magazine swap, in her neighbourhood. Now people stop and greet her, stop their cars to say hello, and even call in for a chat and a cup of tea.

A neighbour, Beryl, drops off books and magazines at Ann’s home and the magazine swap has, by popular demand, become a regular feature in her neighbourhood. We learned that when you support someone to be an instigator of community, make it hospitable and keep the person at the centre so that relationships can develop naturally.

A picture of Ann doing her magazine swap

Frank's story

For the small number that achieved all of their goals, it is interesting to note that the achievement of one goal led to the achievement of others. This reflected a more fundamental change in the way that their support is planned and delivered. Frank’s story is typical:

When the project began there were are a number of people who were paid to be in Frank’s life, each supporting him in different ways and with different views about what he was trying to tell them. Other than an annual review meeting, there was little opportunity for everyone to reach a shared understanding of Frank’s likes, dislikes and his dreams for the future. Now his circle of support meets every six weeks or so and has become the forum at which decisions about what Frank does with his time are agreed. The process of making things happen has speeded up as a result.

Circle members we spoke to believed that Frank now has more influence over his life than had previously been the case; he is more relaxed at meetings and confident about expressing himself; initiates conversations where previously he was passive and reactive.

“Frank will tell us what he wants to do, we do not have to suggest things as we did in the past” said one of his paid supporters, “And it is really helpful to feedback from circle meetings to the staff team”.

Now Frank uses a community opportunities service once a week, travels on public transport where once he was prone to panic, and is more independent outside of his home. For example, he now goes to the local park, something that he had been reluctant to do before.

So small changes to the way that his support is organised have resulted in a significant improvement in Frank’s quality of life. These are subtle yet powerful indicators that Frank is exercising more control over his life.