Everyone loves a wedding and Lifeways service user Karen, who lives in Ayrshire, is no exception. When her brother announced his plans to get married last year, Karen was delighted – doubly so when she was asked to be a bridesmaid on the big day. 
For many years Karen lived in a traditional residential care home. But because of  limited local provision for young adults, she had little contact with people of her own age and opportunities to get out and about didn’t happen very often.  It’s now a year since Karen started receiving 24-hour support from Lifeways in a supported living scheme planned especially for her. And what a difference a year makes! Karen has settled into a comfortable bungalow that has been adapted to suit her mobility needs as a wheelchair user. Her new home is  ‘barrier-free’ and has smart new laminate flooring, attractive furnishings and plenty of space for the things that Karen likes to have around.  Living in a lovely home of her own designed around her own needs and preferences has helped Karen develop a happier and more independent lifestyle. She is also being supported to develop a number of interests outside her home that are helping to increase her self-confidence – seeing friends, watching line dancing and bowling.
The family wedding was a very significant event for Karen and she was determined that everything should go well and that she should look her best on the big day.    Assisted by her Lifeways support team, Karen put a huge amount of thought into choosing the perfect bridesmaid outfit and planning her personal care arrangements. With Lifeways support worker Liz on hand to assist Karen throughout the wedding ceremony and reception, Karen beamed with happiness all day long. This was not just a new beginning for the happy couple – it was an indication of Karen’s rediscovered sense of wellbeing and a huge boost to her self-esteem. And the excitement doesn’t end there ….. Karen has now become the proud auntie of a lovely baby nephew, named Byron.