Meet Martyn

Despite an acquired brain injury that had a devastating impact on his physical and mental wellbeing, he is now beginning to live independently.

Martyn started out working as a dish washer in a high street restaurant chain and worked his way up to the position of Head Chef. In 2010, he was involved in a serious road traffic accident.

“I stepped off the bus and was knocked down by a car. I was in a coma for nine months and 'died' three times. The accident left me with brain damage,” he explains.

Serious injuries to his legs meant that Martyn had to undergo intensive physiotherapy, and he was in a wheelchair for a while. 

He says: “I got myself out of the wheelchair, and now I have to use a walking stick.”

During his recovery, Martyn felt like his life had fallen apart: “I started drinking and taking drugs. I felt like my life was over.”

Martyn was drinking heavily every day before he was referred to Reside With Progress as a tenant. Even a stint in rehab didn't help. He lived in a variety of hostels and care homes. “I've been pushed from pillar to post,” says Martyn. “I was in a hostel before I came here. It was awful, with people breaking into my room and stealing my stuff. I was referred to this Reside With Progress property, and I moved in straight away.”

With the care given by support provider Accept Care, everything changed for Martyn. “This place has actually saved my life - it got me off the drink and drugs and I've been clean for three years now. It's marvellous. I've had a wonderful experience. The support workers are tremendous, and they go out of their way to help me.”

The turnaround in Martyn's life has been inspirational. He says: “I'm like a new man. Thanks to the support here, I can now manage my medication, my finances and live independently. I do my own shopping and cooking.”

So what does the future hold for Martyn? “I'm looking for my own home now – I would love a two-bedroom bungalow. I'm feeling really positive!”