G's journey at Ravenna Lodge
Ravenna Lodge have recently said goodbye to G, who is moving into supported living nearer to his family – a long term goal of his!
Emma, Manager at Ravenna Lodge says: ‘We are so, so proud of his journey and what he has managed to do for himself, and we wish G all the very best for the future. G was really keen to share his journey with everyone, so enjoy!’
My journey, by G
‘I came to Ravenna in 2020 having been on section for some time in hospital. I started on section 2, after that section 3 – then proved to the doctor I was better – which was a long process. They found Ravenna Lodge for me, and I moved in during COVID – it felt very welcoming and like one big family! I felt overwhelmed, but my care team help me manage this and were very supportive.
When I first moved to Ravenna, I was still in recovery from my mental health diagnosis and was struggling at times. Each year I improved myself with the support of my care team and coping mechanisms and became a more happy, friendly and social person. Ravenna help me get involved with the mental health team and with support around my physical health.
Before Ravenna I was very unwell, I was sofa surfing, living in hostels and couldn’t find appropriate accommodation, I was running away from hostels and home and living on the streets, leaving myself vulnerable and unsafe, so my family were very worried about me.
Since being at Ravenna my care team have supported me with my mental health a lot, helped me cope with my physical health diagnosis as my physical health had a big effect on me. I’m still always learning to cope with my physical health, but having my care team help me manage my mental health has helped, as I found it difficult to come to terms with muscular dystrophy and this often got me down, but my care team always pushed me to be able to do anything I wanted and showed me that there was always a way.
Since being at Ravenna I have been back involved with wheelchair sports and joined wheelchair tennis and rugby. I have been on trips to the beach and London and even got volunteer work at the farm with the help of Ravenna. Ravenna help me get on the home finder, so I could bid on local properties near my mum and so I could have a better relationship with my family to be able to see them more often and my friends.
The team at Ravenna have built up my confidence a lot since being here, I have managed to make several friends through Ravenna and learnt about having an appropriate relationship through the support of my care team. Ravenna have helped me be more sociable and confident going out in the community and making new friends, they have shown me I am able to live a happy and successful life which is now what’s happening.
After years of bidding, I finally managed to successfully get offered a place and now have found my own flat near my mum and although this was challenging and took several months to sort out I finally and moved out on the 1st May 2025. I would like to thank all the people that worked at Ravenna through my journey and class them not just as my care team but my friends and hope to keep in contact with them all.’
G’s story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved and how people at Choice Care are encouraged to thrive. We’re so proud of G and the team at Ravenna Lodge. As G begins this exciting new chapter in his own home, we couldn’t be prouder and his courage to share his story will no doubt inspire others on similar paths. From everyone at Choice Care and Ravenna Lodge — congratulations, G! We’re wishing you all the best for the future!
