"I set one goal: independence. Now I’m living it" Marcus' Story

Marcus' History Marcus, a young man diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder, alongside anxiety and depression, has been under Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) since 2016. He was initially referred for emotional distress and low self-esteem. Over time, Marcus's mental health needs became more complex, and he experienced periods of crisis that led to multiple hospital admissions and residential care.

Before joining Aspire, Marcus had faced significant challenges managing his mental health and emotional wellbeing. Despite these difficulties, he remained committed to finding stability and building a future beyond crisis care. Marcus' Admission Marcus moved to Jubilee House as soon as he turned 18, following a series of residential and hospital placements. His goal was clear and meaningful:

"My main goal was to become independent and grow my confidence."

He was ready for a new environment where he could work towards greater autonomy and develop the skills needed for long-term recovery and growth. Marcus' Care During his time at Aspire, Marcus made steady and significant progress. He engaged in structured support and took proactive steps toward independence. One of his biggest personal achievements was educational:

"My biggest achievement was getting my Level 2 Diploma in Counselling at college whilst at Jubilee House."

With tailored input from the team, Marcus developed the confidence and life skills necessary to live more independently. He consistently worked on his goals, managing responsibilities and maintaining his wellbeing.

During his time at Aspire, Marcus drastically improved his activities of daily living (ADLs), which enabled him to live almost entirely independently. He was receiving just 3 hours of support per week, during which he could raise any concerns and receive help with day-to-day tasks. Notably, Marcus had no incidents throughout his time at Jubilee House — a clear reflection of the significant progress he made. Marcus Today

Marcus now lives independently in the community and has secured full-time employment. These achievements reflect the lasting impact of his hard work and the consistent support he received during his time at Aspire. "I set one goal: independence. Now I’m living it."

We are incredibly proud of Marcus for his determination and the independent life he has built for himself.

*Name has been changed to protect his identity*