Martyn's story
A bubbly, friendly man in his 20s, Martyn suffers from Dyspraxia and ADHD. He moved away from his family home for the first time into his own flat in Cornwall. The flat was part of a new development opened by Advance in 2017. The seven customers at the property all moved into their flats within a very short period of time. The staff team, worked very hard to settle the customers and to help them build good relationships with each other.
Martyn lives a block of 8 high specification, one-bed flats. There is a separate ‘pod’ for sleep-in staff and communal space. Customers living there have learning disabilities and mental health issues and although they live in their own flats 24/7 onsite support is available.
Advance worked closely with local commissioners in Cornwall to help meet the needs of their Housing Strategy 2017-2020 by delivering support in a new way which provided opportunities for people who are not able to live safely and independently in the community. As a result, the housing scheme has been nominated for a number of awards.
Our Housing Officers, Housing Outreach Workers and Support staff have excellent relationships with customers and their families and regularly meet them individually or at tenancy meetings. Our extensive local knowledge combined with our effective working relationships with local agencies means we can support the health and well-being and aspirations of our customers.
Advance offer a `core and cluster’ model, meaning less direct support hours for individuals but an increase in `pooled’ 24/7 onsite support. Advance felt it was important to combine the housing and support offer to provide an holistic service for customers with complex needs so they could have their own front door with as much independence as possible.
Martyn receives several hours support from Advance every week. He’s developed a firm friendship with his neighbour Lee and they share several hobbies and interests. He sees his family regularly.
A keen photographer and cyclist, Martyn has been attending classes at Café Chaos in Truro with his Support Worker, Michelle . They work with disadvantaged and vulnerable members of the community, providing hospitality and catering experience both in the kitchen and front of house. Martyn has been learning useful skills such as managing money, making brownies and toasties as well as washing up and drying. His Support Worker Michelle said that they are aiming to build Martyn’s confidence to the point where he is happy to take the bus there each week and eventually by himself.
Martyn keeps busy with volunteering at a local farm a couple of days each week, meeting friends at a youth club and a car club where he enjoys racing remote controlled cars.
His Mum Sue commented that although he finds it difficult to retain information he has grown up quite a bit since he’s been living in his purpose built, one-bedroom flat. She added: “As a family we are optimistic about what he might be able to achieve. His future definitely looks brighter since he’s moved into his own place.”
To read more Life Stories click here