Meet Craig: Finding the right place to call home
Craig moved to The Droveway in 2012, aged 20. Before settling into his new home, he lived with his parents and three siblings and also attended a residential college during term time, returning home to spend the holidays with his family.
Moving to The Droveway was a big change for Craig. He experienced high levels of anxiety and, as someone who is nonverbal and has complex physical disabilities, he found this transition particularly difficult. His anxiety could show through sickness, rocking in his wheelchair and muscle spasms.
First Steps
The Droveway team focused on helping Craig feel safe, settled and understood. Moving from a larger residential college to a smaller, family-focused home was a big change, and it took time for Craig to build confidence and feel that he belonged.
The team took a consistent, person-centred approach, getting to know Craig’s communication style, recognising signs of distress and understanding what helped him feel calm and reassured. Dedicated one-to-one support, familiar routines and a predictable environment all helped to reduce his anxiety and support his wellbeing.
As relationships grew, Craig’s personality began to shine through. He showed his cheeky sense of humour, enjoyed social interaction and built meaningful bonds with the people around him.
Ongoing Support
Craig communicates through facial expressions, body language, vocalisations and gestures, clearly showing what he enjoys and dislikes. The team take time to understand his cues, offer meaningful choices and maintain familiar routines.
Between 2020 and 2024, Craig experienced serious health complications and spent extended periods in hospital. Throughout this time, the team remained alongside him, providing reassurance, familiarity and emotional support.
When Craig returned home, the team worked closely with his family, GP and other health care professionals to meet his new needs. Consistent routines, sensory therapies, water-based activities and calm reassurance supported his recovery and overall wellbeing.
Craig’s Progress
With all of the support provided, Craig has rebuilt his confidence and is back to enjoying life.
Craig thrives when surrounded by people, laughter, music and sensory experiences. He enjoys relaxing in Foxy Den, the home’s summer house, taking part in music and sensory sessions, visiting parks and watching the world go by.
Massage therapy, pet therapy and seeing the team sing and dance also bring him joy. At The Third Space community hub, Craig meets new people and enjoys cooking, mindful movement and sensory play. As a huge Mr Tumble fan, Craig has also seen him perform live.
Looking to the Future
Today, Craig is enjoying life with renewed confidence. His cheeky smile, infectious laugh and mischievous spark show just how far he has come. He continues to build meaningful relationships, take part in social activities and enjoy the comfort of being surrounded by people who know him well.
Looking ahead, Craig’s support will continue to focus on his health, emotional wellbeing and choices. The team will keep supporting him to manage anxiety, explore new experiences and enjoy a happy, fulfilling life on his terms. Every step forward will continue to be celebrated with Craig by the people who have supported him throughout his journey.
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