Meet Ben
Ben’s parents Jane and Karl share how they worked in partnership with RWP on a family-commissioned home for Ben and three housemates in Oxfordshire.
Challenges of finding a home
“We approached our Local Authority over 4 years ago to find a home for Ben and his younger sister, Tia. Ben is 28 and he is hypersensitive in every way. One way of him managing his sensitivity to noise is to control what he hears, so he often plays music and videos. He loves his noisy toys, iPad, computer and washing machines. We knew other housemates would have to cope with his noise, and he with theirs.
“Our dreams came true when we approached Fitzroy who offered to meet with us. They invited RWP to the meeting and RWP said that they could look into buying Ben a house in his hometown. He moved into his forever home in December 2024. We know that he's safe. We know now that for tomorrow and the next month and the next year that he is safe.
RWP supported living home
“RWP bought a house for Ben and three other housemates in his hometown and adapted it to meet each of their sensory, physical and emotional needs.
“RWP housing officer Ilir met with us on several occasions. He was helpful in explaining the processes in setting up the house and what was involved with a tenancy. He sorted out the practicalities to make this happen. As Ben was moving into the house, Ilir noted any snagging issues and arranged for them to be resolved.
Positive experience with RWP supported living
“How can we ever thank you. RWP bought a house for Ben and three other housemates in his hometown and adapted it to meet each of their sensory, physical and emotional needs. RWP guided us every step of the way. This has enabled Ben to move into supported living in a way that we thought might never happen. RWP made our dreams for Ben come true.
“From the start, Ben came out from his new home and returned to his new home with ease. He greets us and says ‘Bye Mum. Bye Dad’ when we leave. We know from his body language and facial expressions how he is feeling. He looks incredibly well and is sleeping and eating and enjoying his life.
Local community
“We are thrilled that he still sees people he knows and people who know him. He now has a new local pub. He is also a regular in another pub on open mic nights. Ben is supported by staff from FitzRoy. The staff have taken photographs of him at home, doing everyday activities such as cycling, and when he is out and about. He is in his community.
Ben’s room
“Ben has a lovely bedroom where he can look out of the window and see everyone coming and going. There is a lot of parking space and a fantastic garden. He has settled in better than we ever dared hope. He potters around his home and is happy with his housemates and carers.
Adaptations and additional support
“Ben has his own computer area. It was in a lift shaft and the lift has been taken out. RWP arranged for their builder to put in additional sound proofing into this space. A big utility room has been maintained, and the washing machine and tumble dryer were placed so that Ben could use them and sit comfortably to watch the washing without getting in anyone’s way.
“The rooms were painted and the kitchen chosen so that there is not too much glare or reflection that can be difficult to process visually.
Successful collaboration with RWP
“We were impressed throughout by the way that RWP worked with Fitzroy and with us. Everyone’s commitment to attending the numerous meetings, answering the numerous questions, the reassurance, positivity, communication. Each and every one of you from RWP has been immensely knowledgeable, helpful, and proactive to enable Ben to live in his own home. He's living his life, and we can be his parents, not his carers anymore.”