Lynn's Transformation

Big Life Changes - January 2012

Lynn's Mam Kathy says: After losing her Dad, Lynn and I were forced to think about both of our futures. Because of her learning difficulties and special emotional needs Lynn has always been totally dependent on me and we knew that she would fall apart when I am gone. So in 2010 she reluctantly went ahead with plans to find somewhere to live which would give her the support she needs. She wrote in her personal plan, "It worries me greatly that when my Mam is gone I would not be able to cope on my own or ask for help. I feel fearful just thinking about it. But now I feel that it is time to begin, with help and support from my Mam and maybe other people, to look at a variety of options and eventually make the right choice of where I want to live for the rest of my life. Somewhere where there is a small group of people who can help and support me. I think that this would be best. Having always had my parents around me, I think that supported living would be best. Leaving the family home is going to be very difficult for me. Everything frightens and worries me. Everything is an ordeal for me. It would mean a great deal to my Mam, my family and myself to be fully settled prior to the death of my Mam. She has told my two brothers and their wives and we have taiked about it during one of their visits. I now see my future with the help and support of other people because my brothers will be unable to do this. My feelings are mixed and keep changing."

Lynn now says; "Well what a difference 14 months makes. When you consider how very scared I was about making the move into independent supported living accommodation provided by www.newprospects.org.uk I cannot really believe the progress I have made. Even though people often remark on this together with my weight loss and my general appearance etc. My brother, John, said that I have finally got my wings. And this is what New Prospects Association is all about. Their logo is a butterfly and their in-house magazine is called 'The Catterpillar' "

Kathy says: Now, at the start of 2012, Lynn and I have settled into a routine of separateness and togetherness. I enjoy being able to do what I want when I want, and Lynn can choose her own day-to-day activities that include either seeing me or talking to me on the phone daily. Her support staff understand this and give her freedom to go her own way whilst being available when she needs them such as giving comfort when she is upset or accompanying her whenever necessary e.g. to doctor, dentist, first time visits to new activities. They have even gone with her to shows and concerts.

Everyone agreed that the award she received at the Association's AGM in September 2011 was well deserved. Well done Lynn. We are very proud of you.

To read about Lynn's early life, upbringing and family history go to the Hetherington web site at www.kathheth.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk