‘They have helped to change my life’: Grace’s story living with SIL

Grace, who lives at Thorne House, our SIL supported living service in Yeovil, South Somerset, says she's thriving – and getting closer to her goal of living fully independently. Before coming to live in Yeovil, Grace had lived on a medium-secure female ward in a hospital in Wales.

"A lot of places look at you from a risk-assessment point of view," says Grace. "Thorne [House] was different. They looked at me as a real human being… they have helped to change my life.”

These days, Grace likes to spend her time on walks, cooking, decorating her flat, and goals – like recently completing a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. "It's definitely the right environment for me at this stage in time," says Grace.

Longer-term, Grace is aiming to live independently in the community, outside of supported living services. "I just want to get out and live my life," Grace adds.

Watch Grace’s story below:

About SIL:

SIL has been providing specialist support and recovery services since 2009. We believe there are still too many people in hospitals or other institutionalised settings who, with the right support and structure, could thrive in community settings.

Currently, SIL operates 24 supported living services across England.

SIL is part of Lifeways Group.

Lifeways is the UK’s largest team of support professionals providing support for adults in the community.

We support adults with diverse and complex needs, including learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and mental health conditions.

 

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