Meet Holly: A story of confidence, courage and independence
Holly moved to her new supported living home in Worthing in April 2025 after spending lengthy periods in hospital and experiencing several placements that did not meet her needs. She is autistic and lives with Type 1 diabetes and mental health needs. At times, Holly had found it difficult to keep herself safe, care for herself and manage her diabetes. She wanted a home where she could feel understood, build trust and move forward.
Understanding Holly’s autism helped the team recognise how she communicates and processes information. Warm, reliable relationships became the foundation for sensitive, person-centred support shaped around her strengths, preferences and aspirations.
First Steps
From the outset, the team took time to learn about Holly’s routines, preferences and goals. Support was consistent, yet delivered at her pace, and was shaped around her personal goals and needs.
Together, Holly and the team explored helpful ways to manage difficult moments, build confidence and make informed choices. She became more involved in her health and daily routines while developing practical skills for greater independence.
Holly began exploring the idea of joining a gym to improve her physical fitness and spent time with friends to develop her social skills.
Person-centred planning kept Holly’s aspirations at the heart of each decision, while also helping her to identify future goals.
Ongoing Support
Holly continues to make progress in her daily life and with her mental and physical health.
She attends college classes and is enjoying her studies. She has also joined a gym, travels independently and spends time with her friends and boyfriend.
Holly is beginning to manage her diabetes responsibly and is developing everyday skills such as budgeting, cooking and household tasks.
She can also access support from the wider team and health professionals when needed.
Holly’s Progress
Holly is building the skills she needs to shape the life she wants. She has developed helpful ways to manage her emotions and is becoming increasingly independent. Holly values spending time with her friends both at home and out and about. The relationships she has formed have helped her feel safe and supported.
Her planned support has reduced to five hours each week, reflecting her growing confidence and personal determination. Having been nominated for a Transforming Care Award, Holly feels a sense of pride in everything she has achieved.
Holly recently joined our Unity self advocacy group, where she is actively involved and shares her voice. She wrote a poem about Being Brave, one of our core values, and recorded herself sharing it. Scan the QR code to enjoy it.
Looking to the Future
Holly is looking forward to continuing to build her independence, with the long term aim of living in her own home and managing daily life with minimal support. She would like to complete her studies at college, find employment and explore roles working with children, in mental health services or in social care.
Holly also wants to learn to drive and is actively looking for lessons.
Looking after her mental and physical wellbeing remains important to her. With encouragement shaped around her choices and aspirations, Holly hopes to create a happy, fulfilling future and use her experiences to support and inspire others.
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