Meet Julian: Personalised support for a life full of choice

Julian is registered blind and communicates without using speech. He has always found meaningful ways to express his choices, preferences and feelings, and over the years the team has developed a strong understanding of how he communicates. 

When Julian first moved to The Coppice, he often became distressed by loud noises and unfamiliar situations. He would communicate this through his body language and behaviour, particularly when he felt anxious or overwhelmed. As the team got to know Julian and built trusting relationships with him, they learned how best to support him and help him feel safe and comfortable in his surroundings. 

Family has always remained an important part of Julian’s life. Although both of his parents have sadly passed away, Julian maintains close relationships with his three sisters and wider family members, who continue to visit and attend celebrations and events with him. 

Over the years, Julian has grown into a calm, confident gentleman who enjoys familiar routines, meaningful experiences and spending time with the people who know him best.

First Steps

Building trust was the most important part of supporting Julian when he first moved to The Coppice. 

As Julian is blind, team members learned the importance of introducing themselves clearly, speaking in a calm and reassuring voice and allowing him to make contact when he felt comfortable. Through consistency and patience, strong relationships were developed that helped Julian feel secure and confident in his new home. 

Julian quickly learned the layout of the bungalow and became comfortable navigating familiar spaces with support. He developed favourite activities and sensory experiences that remain important to him today. 

One of Julian’s greatest comforts is relaxing on a beanbag with his blanket. He also loves water, whether that is feeling the rain on his face, enjoying a bath or spending time in swimming pools and hot tubs. 

Over the years, Julian has enjoyed a wide variety of experiences and holidays. In his younger years he loved visiting Alton Towers and experiencing the excitement of the rides. As his preferences have changed, he now enjoys quieter sensory experiences, woodland retreats, Centre Parcs holidays and opportunities to listen to nature and wildlife. 

Shopping is another activity Julian enjoys. Team members support him to choose clothing and sensory items by allowing him to feel different fabrics and observing his response. Julian is a well-dressed gentleman with a keen appreciation for quality items. He particularly enjoys the scents and sensory experiences of products from Lush! 

Ongoing Support

Julian receives highly personalised support from a team that knows him well and understands what matters most to him. 

His support plan is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it reflects his current needs, preferences and goals. Julian also lives with epilepsy and has clear support protocols in place to ensure he receives the right care and support if he experiences a seizure. 

The team works closely with healthcare professionals, including the Neurology team at Royal Derby Hospital, to monitor Julian’s health and ensure he receives specialist support when required. 

Daily support focuses on maintaining Julian’s wellbeing, promoting choice and creating opportunities for him to enjoy meaningful experiences. Whether that is spending time with family, planning holidays or exploring new activities, the team ensures Julian remains at the centre of every decision. 

Julian Progress

Julian has witnessed many changes throughout his time at The Coppice and has shown remarkable resilience throughout. 

Today, his body language, facial expressions and interactions with those around him reflect a man who feels comfortable, secure and valued within his home. He has built friendships with the people around him and continues to enjoy an active and fulfilling life. 

Julian is an excellent communicator in his own way. He makes his preferences known through touch, body language and his responses to people and activities. Team members understand these subtle communication methods and use them to ensure Julian’s voice is heard in everyday decisions. 

He enjoys spending time listening to audio books, shopping for clothes and sensory items, visiting the pub for lunch and taking part in community activities. Family visits remain especially important, and Julian always looks forward to spending time with his sisters. 

His health remains stable, and he continues to enjoy a good quality of life supported by a team that understands his unique needs and preferences. 

Looking to the Future 

The focus for Julian is to continue enjoying the experiences that bring him happiness while exploring new opportunities that reflect his interests and choices. 

The team is currently planning future holidays and day trips tailored to Julian’s preferences. Sensory experiences remain particularly important, whether that is enjoying warm weather in the garden, attending local fairs, experiencing seasonal events or spending time in peaceful outdoor environments. 

Julian enjoys the sounds, smells and atmosphere of community events, with visits to fairs, Christmas markets and seasonal celebrations always proving popular. 

As Christmas approaches each year, Julian looks forward to festive activities including shopping trips, pantomimes, Christmas lights, markets and one of his favourite traditions, ice skating. Team members often describe the smile on Julian’s face during these outings as a reflection of how much he enjoys being part of the world around him. 

The team’s priority will continue to be supporting Julian to live a life that is rich in experiences, relationships, comfort and choice. 

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