Service users success stories

Gemma is 30 years old, was one of our first residential care service users. She now lives in a modern flat in Purley.

Gemma came to us from a specialist school and wasn’t able to do much for herself. She had a diagnosis of idiopathic generalized epilepsy having had her first seizures at the age of eight months. She endured significant seizures which led to frequent hospitalisation.

With our help, the optimal combination of medication for her epilepsy was found. She has now been seizure free for over seven years. Since arriving with us, Gemma worked hard with our support, to develop her independence. She is now able to manage a busy schedule of working, hobbies, travel and socialising. Our travel travel training programme has increased her confidence and ability to use public transport.

Gemma enjoys going out, she works at Sainsbury’s, where she has been employed for over five years. She also enjoys going to her regular drama classes. Initially, Gemma required our support to attend these, but she now uses the bus and train to travel on her own. Once a month, Gemma travels even further afield to visit her sister in Brighton.

Our independent living programme has helped Gemma to develop her skills in managing household responsibilities such as paying bills, understanding utilities and managing her food planning. The staff who have worked with Gemma are thrilled at how her confidence and skills have progressed. 

Gemma has a number of goals for the future including getting a job in retail (preferably Next), continuing her art and drama, and getting married one day. She believes that living here has really improved her life and hopes that others like her find the same level of independence.

“I never thought I would be able to visit my sister on my own or have a boyfriend and now I do” Gemma, 30