"I've had a first class journey" - John's Story

John from Goldhill House has shared how the care and support he received has given him confidence for the future and equipped him with the tools to manage his mental health and daily life as he steps down to supported living.

John moved to Goldhill House October 2023 after spending almost 30 years in institutions. When he first arrived, John needed support in several areas of daily living – from managing appointments and budgeting, to meal planning, food hygiene, emotional support and finding meaningful activities, including employment and volunteering.

“When I first came to Goldhill, it was a new beginning for me,” John explained. “At first, I was a little nervous and unsure, but once I settled in, I was happy. My goal was always to get my independence back and to live in the community again.”

During his time at Goldhill House, John made remarkable progress. He not only completed all his daily living tasks, but also became a Positive Behaviour Support Champion – a role that extended far beyond supporting positive behaviours. He acted as an advocate for others, helping to ensure their voices were heard and their needs were recognised. With his positive outlook and strong sense of empathy, John helped to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for his fellow service users.

John also gained a reputation for baking some truly lovely treats, often bringing smiles to both staff and peers with his delicious homemade creations.

Staff described John as “the most polite and pleasant gentleman”, and he credits the support team at Goldhill House for helping him build trust and prepare for his next steps.

“I’ve got a very good relationship with all the staff at Goldhill,” John said. “They really helped me through my time here. I received a lot of support getting ready for my move into supported living. The one-to-one time with staff helped me to build trust again.”

Now preparing for his next chapter, John feels a deep sense of pride in how far he has come.

“I’m proud of everything I’ve done,” he shared. “Goldhill has given me a platform to feel positive about myself. I’m more than ready – I’ve been on a long journey.”

He added: “I spent a long time in NHS hospitals, but being here at Goldhill, I’ve seen nothing but positivity. I’ve had a first-class journey.”

John has now moved on to Jubilee House, our supported living service, where we have no doubt he will continue to thrive. His resilience, growth and unwavering optimism are an inspiration to everyone around him — and we are all incredibly proud of his journey.