Meet Jessie: from temporary accommodation to a home for life
Jessie came to Achieve together with a long history of mental health difficulties, unstable housing, and increasing concerns about her ability to live safely and independently. Prior to receiving support, she had moved through multiple temporary housing accommodations, where concerns were raised about poor living conditions and self-neglect.
At the start of her journey, Jessie faced several challenges. She had experienced multiple admissions under the Mental Health Act, had a history of inconsistent engagement with mental health services and often questioned and denied her bi-polar diagnosis.
Poor financial management, including debts, excessive spending and lending money to others placed her at risk, alongside a lack of personal safety awareness that made her vulnerable to strangers.
First Steps
During the first few months, the focus was on building trust, creating a safe and stable environment and providing consistent support. Staff worked closely with Jessie to manage risks related to her mental health, self-neglect, medication and home safety, while maintaining close links with health professionals.
Initially, Jessie found it difficult to engage consistently and often lacked insight into the impact of her behaviours. Staff adapted their approach by working at her pace, breaking tasks into small, manageable steps and using encouragement rather than confrontation.
Ongoing Support
Jessie is now supported to maintain her independence while promoting her health and wellbeing. The team continue to provide encouragement and guidance with daily living skills, particularly around maintaining good personal hygiene, attending health appointments and making safe choices. Jessie is supported to make her own decisions while receiving the reassurance and prompts she needs.
Through consistent, person-centred support, Jessie is making progress towards achieving her independence goals whilst maintaining her dignity and choice.
Jessie’s Progress
The support Jessie has received from Achieve together has had a positive impact on her overall wellbeing and quality of life. She is more engaged with support, has made progress in maintaining her personal hygiene, and is better able to manage aspects of her daily routine with lower levels of encouragement from the team. Her confidence has grown through developing trusting relationships with the team and as a result, she’s been more involved in the decisions about her care and participation in activities.
Jessie has lived in her home for four years now, putting an end to the instability of previous temporary accommodations.
Looking to the future
Jessie’s current focus is on building her confidence further, living as independently and safely as possible and enjoying the activities and choices that are important to her. Maintaining her health and wellbeing are key priorities for the future and Jessie knows this helps towards greater independence, allowing her to socialise with friends and to visit the shops – two of her favourite activities.
With ongoing person-centred support, the aim is to help Jessie achieve her goals and continue enjoying a safe, fulfilling, and meaningful life.
Jessie’s thoughts
“Everyone’s very kind to me here. I’m comfortable, I’m settled, and that’s all I really want.”
Lauren’s thoughts
“I am incredibly proud of Jessie and the progress she has made. Through her determination and the consistent support of the team, she has grown in confidence, become more engaged in her daily routines, and continues to work towards greater independence. Every achievement, no matter how small, is celebrated, and we look forward to supporting Jessie as she continues her journey.”
Home Manager
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