"Feeling heard made all the difference" - Nathan's Story

Nathan’s History

Nathan moved into our service in May 2020, following a period of instability in both his living circumstances and mental health. He has a complex diagnosis including Anxiety, Tourette’s Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, Depression, and a history of self-injurious behaviour. His background includes periods in mental health hospitals, most recently following a breakdown in care arrangements and difficulties managing within noisy, overstimulating environments.

Before his arrival, Nathan had been living in challenging settings that did not meet his needs. Inappropriate placements, combined with environmental triggers like noise and overstimulation, worsened his wellbeing. His previous hospital admission was described as unsuitable for his needs — leaving him feeling unsupported, overwhelmed, and misplaced.

“Being in hospital wasn’t helping. It was too loud, and I didn’t feel like I belonged there. I wasn’t getting the kind of help I actually needed.”

Nathan’s move to our residential service Dovecote was motivated by the need for a stable environment that could support his mental health, sensory needs, and independence.

Nathan’s Admission

When Nathan arrived at Dovecote, he was clear about what mattered most to him: having personal space, maintaining structure, managing his medication, and receiving support in a calm and understanding manner. He also highlighted his love for music, gaming, and family, which helped guide his care plan.

“I’m someone with a lot of knowledge. I like my routines, and I don’t respond well to loud, unpredictable places. What I really needed was somewhere I could feel safe, be heard, and build a life.”

In those early weeks, staff worked closely with Nathan to help him settle, tailoring his support around his preferred routines and communication needs. He expressed a preference for afternoon interactions, and staff adjusted their approach accordingly — always introducing themselves before entering his space and respecting his need for quiet.

Nathan’s Care

Over the four years Nathan was with us, his progress has been steady and meaningful. He worked closely with staff to manage his medication regime, including a gradual reduction, which was reviewed weekly in partnership with the pharmacy. He developed strategies to manage sensory sensitivities, such as wearing noise-cancelling headphones, and was supported to attend external services like Headway (a local charity shop) each Friday — something he found valuable for his sense of purpose.

“The staff took time to understand me. Just having people speak to me calmly, knock at the right times, and give me space made a big difference.”

Nathan appreciated support that was based on encouragement and trust, with praise for completed tasks and space to process thoughts before responding. His short-term goal was to simply function and feel human again — a goal he says he’s proud to have achieved. With support, he moved up to Stage 4 in his medication management, began planning for independent living, and focused on healthy daily routines, including sleep, hygiene, and emotional regulation.

“The small things mattered — just being able to stick to a routine and having control over my space helped me feel like myself again.”

Nathan Today

In May 2024, Nathan successfully transitioned into supported living — a major milestone in his journey. He now lives in his own space, is managing his needs with increasing independence, and is continuing to build toward his long-term goal of financial stability and autonomy.

“I feel ready to move on now. I know what helps me and how I like to be supported. I’ve come a long way, and I’m proud of that.”

Nathan continues to be supported in the community, with routines in place that respect his preferences and strengths. He remains connected to services that support his ongoing growth and wellbeing, and he’s optimistic about what lies ahead.

When asked whether he’d recommend the service to others, his answer was clear:“Absolutely. The staff here took the time to understand me, and that changed everything.”

We are proud of Nathan — of the resilience he’s shown, the self-awareness he’s developed, and the calm strength he now carries into this next chapter of his life.

*Name has been changed to protect his identity*