A Home of Her Own: D’s Path to Independence

D had been living at The Willows, one of Accomplish’s residential homes, for several years. Life there was stable, but independence felt far away. Everyday tasks such as making meals, keeping her space organised, deciding what to do next often left her anxious. D doubted she could ever manage on her own.

The idea of having her own flat was both exciting and frightening. She wanted independence, but the thought of coping with day to day life on her own felt almost impossible. That’s when the team at The Willows began working closely with her, helping D take the steps she needed to reach her goal.

The journey didn’t happen overnight. First, the team focused on understanding what D needed and how her past experiences might affect her. Using a trauma informed approach staff started to understand how past experiences have affected D and her behaviours and emotions, the team focused on reducing anxiety, building trust and empowering D. The team created a space where she felt safe, heard, and in control. This meant every step was carefully planned, and D could take her time building confidence without feeling pressured.

Gradually, the practical work began. D learned essential life skills like cooking, budgeting, using public transport, and keeping her space organised. The Willows team also supported her with the move itself, packing her belongings, hiring a van, and visiting her new flat multiple times so it felt familiar before she moved in. Alongside this, she explored her local area and community activities, from shops to volunteering groups, helping her feel connected and confident.

Throughout it all, the team celebrated every achievement, no matter how small, and reminded D of her strengths on days when she doubted herself. They worked closely with her social worker and the staff at her new flat, ensuring her concerns were heard and that she felt supported at every stage.

Finally, the day came when D moved into her own flat. It was a milestone she had once thought impossible. Slowly, she settled into routines that worked for her, making meals, organising her home, and planning her days around what mattered most. She began setting new goals, from building friendships and exploring hobbies to taking part in local community activities.

Reflecting on her journey, D says:

“I never thought I’d be able to live on my own, but now I feel proud of myself every single day.”

From those first uncertain steps at The Willows to living confidently in her own flat, D’s story shows how independence can grow one step at a time with patience, flexibility, and person centred support. It’s a reminder that even when something feels out of reach, with the right guidance and encouragement, it can become a reality.