Meet Emily, Emily and Leanne, the ladies who moved into one of our new supported living properties in Somerset mid-lockdown. After being friends for over three years, they decided it was time to move into a house together as they increased their independence. While being apprehensive for the big move due to restrictions around COVID-19, the new housemates have settled right in.

Piecing the puzzle together

After studying catering for three years together at Foxes Academy in Minehead, their friendship continued to grow and in their last year at the academy, they decided that they wanted to move into independent living together. They have different funding authorities so after receiving one referral through from Bedford for Leanne, their support workers pieced the puzzle together for all three of them to live together.

Voyage Care ensured all COVID-19 precautions were in place, so all three women and their families viewed the property first via a virtual tour. They then viewed the property together (with social distancing and safety in mind) along with their key worker from Foxes Academy before making the final decision to move into the house during July.

The timing worked out perfectly for them as the property was obtained just a few months before they graduated, which meant that they could move in the day after graduating!

Keeping spirits high

Lockdown has been tough, and the new housemates have missed seeing their family. Being with each other has helped and they’ve kept in regular contact with family through social media channels such as WhatsApp and Facetime.

Voyage Care made me feel more settled, especially my support workers Sophie, Jodie and Stacey. My favourite part of lockdown has been spending time with the staff, they make me happy.

Emily

Since moving in together, they have gained more independent living skills. The ladies now complete their own health and safety paperwork and do all of the cleaning themselves. They have adapted well to their new environment and to running their own home.

Part of the community

Emily, Emily and Leanne have even completed an impressive 9.6-mile sponsored walk for Children in Need with their support worker, Sophie. This came easy to them as they often enjoy long walks and getting out and about in the community. So far, they have raised £277 for Children in Need!

They’ve also kept busy and had lots of fun with arts and crafts, singing, dancing and walking. They love singing and dancing to love songs – especially Beyoncé and Ed Sheeran! The Voyage Care support team are very good at helping them to find activities to do too. For example, walking routes to explore and new recipes to experiment with.

COVID-19 might still be around, but Emily, Emily and Leanne are determined that it won’t ruin their fun! With help from the support team, they have a fun packed week ahead with Emily’s birthday, plus  Christmas decorating and baking.

I am really excited for my birthday coming up, the staff are coming over and we are all getting a Chinese takeaway. I’m glad I can still have fun!

Emily

To find out more about our supported living opportunities, speak to our friendly enquiry line team by calling them on 0800 0353 776 or emailing referrals@voyagecare.com. You can also visit our COVID-19 resource centre here: https://www.voyagecare.com/covid19-resource-area/

Please note: This article is about events that happened during the COVID-19 pandemic and reflects the safety measures based on government advice during that specific time period. Please be assured that at all times, Voyage Care follows the appropriate COVID-19 safety measures to keep our staff and the people we support safe. To find out more about our COVID-19 safety precautions, please visit our COVID-19 resource area. (https://www.voyagecare.com/covid19-resource-area/) 

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