Meet Tom: The Impact of Person-Centred Support

Tom joined Catherine Care in 2019 after leaving Saxon Hill School, where he had spent 14 years. Tom loved the school and it had provided him with a strong sense of routine, familiarity and security, making the transition into adult services a significant change for both Tom and his family. 

Tom is non-verbal, has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. Following school, he attended college three days a week and Catherine Care two days a week. The combination of different settings, routines and expectations proved challenging, and Tom experienced high levels of anxiety as he struggled to understand where he would be each day. 

As his anxiety increased, Tom became distressed and overwhelmed and his family sought support from his GP to help manage the impact this was having on his wellbeing. The challenges continued throughout his time at college, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought further uncertainty and disruption to his routine. 

From the outset, the team at Catherine Care worked closely with Tom and his family to understand his needs and identify the support that would help him feel safe, secure and settled. 

While Tom was attending college, Catherine Care arranged for a dedicated Personal Assistant to support him throughout the college day. This provided Tom with a familiar and trusted person who could recognise when he was becoming anxious and offer reassurance and support when needed. 

When Tom came to Catherine Care full time, the team worked alongside Tom and his family to create a situation that would provide the consistency and structure he needed. Importantly, the Personal Assistant who had already built a strong relationship with Tom became a valued member of his support team, helping to ensure continuity during another significant transition. 

Through close partnership working with Tom’s family and consistent observation, colleagues developed a deeper understanding of what mattered most to him. The team recognised that routine, predictability and familiar relationships played a vital role in helping Tom feel secure and confident. 

A personalised structure was developed around Tom’s day, with clear routines and opportunities for him to make choices and take an active role in daily life. Using tailored communication approaches, colleagues ensured Tom could express his preferences and remain in control of his day-to-day experiences. 

The impact of moving full-time to Catherine Care was quickly evident. 

Within a matter of weeks, Tom became noticeably calmer and more settled. As he built relationships with colleagues and the people supported at Catherine Care, his anxiety reduced significantly and he began looking forward to attending each day. 

With the right support, Tom developed confidence in communicating his preferences and participating in activities that were meaningful to him. He particularly enjoys making lists of tasks and takes great pride in completing jobs around the service, including helping with the tea trolley, organising items and supporting others. These opportunities have helped him develop a strong sense of purpose and belonging. 

The distress and anxiety that had once been a significant part of Tom’s daily life are no longer present. Today, he is happy, engaged and thriving within a consistent environment that understands and supports his individual needs. 

Tom’s family have been central to his journey and have worked closely with Catherine Care throughout every stage of his transition into adult services. 

Tom’s mum says: 

“When Tom moved to Catherine Care full time, the change in just a few weeks was so noticeable and very reassuring for us as parents. He now looks forward to his days at Catherine Care and never doesn’t want to go. He has the same team of ladies each week and they all do the things he enjoys, while also encouraging him to try new things. They always give him choices so he’s in control of his day. We are so grateful for how the team at Catherine Care have supported Tom and us during the difficult times. We couldn’t imagine him going anywhere else. He has come such a long way and grown so much over the years. We are proud of him every single day.” 

Amy, Manager of Catherine Care Day Opportunities, says: “Tom enjoys using his notebook to make lists of jobs he would like to complete and takes great satisfaction in ticking them off once they’re done. From helping with the tea trolley to organising items and completing tasks around the service, Tom plays an active and valued role at Catherine Care.”

Tom continues to grow in confidence and independence, supported by a team that understands his needs and provides consistency in everything they do. 

Tom’s journey demonstrates the importance of person-centred support, strong partnership working and creating an environment where people feel safe, understood and empowered to thrive. By taking the time to understand what works best for Tom, the team has helped him move from a period of significant anxiety and uncertainty to one of confidence, stability and enjoyment. Tom is a valued and active member of life at Catherine Care, bringing positivity, purpose and happiness to those around him every day.