Home Real stories Claire’s story
Claire is full of joy! Moving into her first home in Colchester and developing independent skills with support from ivolve Care and Support is enabling her to choose the life she wants.
“This flat was my first choice!” said Claire. “It’s a lovely flat and just the right size, I couldn’t have asked for more. I know Colchester well too.
I had been living on a hospital ward for a year before moving here. I wasn’t nervous about moving, I was excited! The last few months have gone so quickly. I’ve made so many new friends. People living in the other flats and the staff are so friendly and helpful.
It’s been fun shopping for my furniture. I’ve gone for more neutral colours. My sofa is a really pretty blue/grey colour. The TV cabinet, coffee table and cupboard each has a different pattern and colour, and they look good together. I bought a trolley full of things for the kitchen. There is also a bath and shower so I can have either. I’m really happy with everything.
I’ve never lived on my own before and like to keep everywhere clean. One day I do the hoovering, another day I’ll do the cleaning. It’s all achievable if you break it down.
Every week, I pick something new to make out of my Air Fryer cookbook. I make a good banana loaf cake too! Things can be done at my own pace and there is no set time for things like meals.
I enjoy doing so many things. Since being young, I have loved to read and write in English and French. I studied A level English Literature, History and French. My bookcase is full of so many different books. Some of my favourites are the classics, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre and Heart of the Matter.
Knitting has been my hobby from being 9 years old. My Mum taught me how to knit. Everything’s made from good quality wool from different places, so I get the best price too.
Listening to music with meaningful lyrics makes me happy. I like most genres; pop, folk, country, classical, Motown, power ballads, to name a few. Often, I’ll play music when I’m relaxing or doing the chores around my flat.
I’ve always like travelling about and seeing places. There is a good bus service in and around Colchester. I caught five buses to go to the shopping mall in Kent and had day trips out. I decide where I’d like to go and then learn the bus routes.
There are quite a few of us living in the block of flats. We help each other, if someone has got a problem we listen to each other. Sometimes there are events run by the staff. We had a barbeque in the summer, and I loved it.”
Georgie Dredge from Essex County Council, explained, “It’s a real community here. There are people from all walks of life, with different experiences. Everyone gets on with each other. The staff run different events so people can socialise and have a great time.”
I’ve become more independent and have freedom
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Encircle Housing
2 High Street House, High Street
Yeadon, Leeds, LS19 7PP