Phillip has cerebral palsy. He’s been wearing a brace for years, but when he moved into Roseate, one of our Supported Living services, he told staff that it was uncomfortable to wear.

Speaking to specialists

The team also noticed Phillip’s position in his wheelchair wasn’t right. With Phillip’s permission, they made a referral for an assessment with an occupational therapist. After the appointment, the OT agreed that Phillip didn’t have to wear the brace in the house anymore.

Staff at Roseate also contacted the spinal team, who said the brace was of no further benefit to Phillip and that he should be referred back to wheelchair services.

Team Manager Helen Bone said:

We spoke to wheelchair services a few times because they were reluctant to see him but with some persistence from myself and the team they agreed.

We could see that it wasn’t fit for purpose for Phillip – when they saw him they were quite shocked.

Phillip now attends a monthly clinic and he has since had his wheelchair adjusted:

I’m a lot more comfortable without the brace.

Phillip and his support team held a ceremony to throw his old brace out, which he couldn’t wait to do!

Left: Phillip being supported to bin his old brace
Right: A very happy Phillip!

A new chapter

Phillip made the decision to leave the family home for ‘some much needed independence’ back in May. He moved into one of our Supported Living services in North Tyneside and now lives with four ladies who he gets on really well with. His housemate Eileen draws him pictures.

Phillip said:

I enjoy living at Roseate. I get good support.

Since moving into Roseate, Phillip has been able to go out every day.

He likes going out with his dad for a pub lunch, walks along the beach, shopping in town and riding the West Jesmond Metro. He likes going to the cinema – although he says his favourite film is still Dirty Dancing – and he recently attended his first Newcastle United match.

Phillip also likes watching wrestling on TV. His favourite wrestler is John Cena.

Support Worker Rachel Muir said:

Phillip was a very different person when he moved in – he was very unsure at the start.

He’s so much more confident now with staff and his housemates and he will make his demands known.

Phillip’s day service have also commented on how his quality of life has changed since he’s been supported by United Response.

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  • Jenna Lloyd is Senior Content Officer for United Response.