Jay originally moved to Choice Care from Children’s Services. It was decided he required a robust environment in a rural setting, and his placement began at Ocknell Park in the New Forest. It proved to be a difficult time for him - he was unsettled and anxious about his new home. By his own admission, Jay displayed very aggressive and destructive behaviour and required a great deal of support from staff.

Over time, however, Jay began to settle in, and after two years, while he continued to require high levels of support, he and his care team began discussing the option of moving on to a home in a more urban environment. Jay was keen to make the move and went to visit Appleton, in Southampton, a home with seven self-contained flatlets for adults with mental disorders and associated complex needs, where each person is supported to develop their independent living skills with a view to moving on to more self-sufficient living.

“This was a very positive move and I was involved in the whole process,” said Jay. “My experiences at Appleton are a lot better than in Children’s Services; I do my own cooking, am studying maths and English at college, and also have a job working with Choice Care’s maintenance team.

“My computer skills are very good and with the support of Choice Care’s IT person, I’m developing a chat room so that the people who live in the other homes across the group can chat with each other.

“! I have a lot of friends at college. I write and make music and if I say so myself, I’m a very good rap artist!

“Overall, I think if I had not had been offered a placement at Choice Care, I would have gone backwards. My plan for the future is to have my own flat and live with my girlfriend. I have seen several of my housemates move in to their own flats so I know this is something I can achieve.”

Jay has made good progress in the time he has been living at Choice Care. He’s a fun person to be around and can always be found on the dance floor at parties!