Meet Joanne

We’ve been supporting Joanne since 2011. Before coming to us, Joanne had been living in her own home, but didn’t have the support she needed to develop the skills to live independently.

In her new home, Joanne uses technology to help her live more independently. A key-fob entry on doors gives her easy access as well as safety and privacy. She has a pendant she can use to call for assistance from her support team.

Joanne loves singing, dancing, music, and TV comedies. She enjoys cooking, especially pasta dishes.

When we started supporting Joanne, we asked her what activities she would like to do, and what skills she would like to develop.

Dreams

One of her dreams was to work with children, so her support team helped her find a local children’s nursery where she could work. Before the pandemic, she volunteered there once a week and was a valued member of the nursery’s staff team. Joanne says: “I feel like I know what I’m doing and I’m not shy anymore. I’m getting better at being able to do activities with the children.”

Joanne also volunteered once a week at the British Heart Foundation shop in Loughborough, labelling donation bags and selling raffle tickets to customers.

Before the pandemic, Joanne enjoyed swimming, spa days, cinema trips, bowling with other people we support, and her annual seaside holiday. She had a busy social calendar, often meeting friends at local social clubs. Travel planning and training had helped her get to work and meet her friends – and she could visit her dad without needing staff support.

Now Joanne has her own bank account, she has more control over her own finances. Once she is able to, she plans to take swimming lessons to build her confidence in the water.

Joanne continues to become more confident and independent.