The ordinary story of Leannes's life changing achievements

Leanne had lived in a number of residential services but did not receive the support she needed. When she began to experience mental health problems, her parents decided to look for somewhere that could help her build a more positive future.

In 2001, Leanne moved into Craegmoor’s Cherrywood House and although she still had many challenging days, she began to make progress. Staff supported her through a structured personal programme, gaining her trust and helping her to build confidence.

Leanne gradually developed her independence, enrolling for a course at college and doing voluntary work at a local charity shop. She also helped with interviewing new staff for the service, giving her influence over who she wanted to work with. Today, Leanne lives in her own flat with minimal support from Craegmoor. She also has a paid job at a community service where she meets and greets the public. Her progress has been life-changing, and she even has the confidence to stand up in front of audiences to tell them what she has achieved and how she has reached her goals.

"I never thought I would live on my own in a flat,” she says. “I couldn’t have done it without the support of Cherrywood and my key worker - thank you."

Her progress has been reflected by a substantial reduction in her support fees – from £1,074.42 per week when she was living at Cherrywood to just £664 per week in supported living.