Julie's story

Throughout her early childhood years, Julie lived at home with her family. As she got older, her parents became increasingly worried about the options that were available to her to meet her complex needs. They were very upset about the thought that she may need to move away from home.

Early in 2009, Consensus opened a new, purpose built service designed for children and young adults with a learning disability and complex needs. The service focuses on supporting them when the time comes to leave home, but ensures they remain within their circle of support, and are able to access a range of locally based educational facilities.

The service enables Julie to live in a small home environment, with staff that work closely with the local school, so that her learning is continually supported and encouraged.

Julie’s parents knew that at some point she may need to leave home to continue her development into adult life. The scheme developed by Consensus gives them the comfort of knowing that they can be close to Julie, continue to share her life, and she will be supported by an experienced and supportive staff team working in partnership locally with a range of statutory agencies, including the education authority, to provide educational opportunities.

As she gets older, Julie may move into one of the on-site apartments, also developed by Consensus, or she may decide on a different option for the future. What is clear however, is that by enabling Julie to live locally, with her family close by, the relationships she has had since she was a child can continue and be developed into adulthood.