Meet Elliot
Elliot lives in one of our supported living homes in Tyne and Wear. He shares his home with one tenant and his family live nearby in Tyne and Wear.
Moving into supported living
Elliot has recently moved into one of our supported living homes in Tyne and Wear and is settling in. He’s getting to know us, his support staff from ubu, and the tenant who he shares his home with, as well as the local community.
Since moving into his home, Elliot has been supported to cook and plan meals and how to budget for food.
Elliot said: “They help me with cooking and cleaning, like cleaning my room, and I basically direct them and tell them what I need help with.”
Elliot enjoys having dinner with his housemate. “I managed to find an Indian takeaway-style dinner from a local supermarket and shared it with my housemate. I am always looking at ways of saving money because takeaways are expensive. I've been getting on well with my housemate,” says Elliot.
Laura, support manager at ubu, explains how Elliot has been developing skills and independence: “Elliot moved in and already is showing his independence. I think his mum and dad were quite shocked when I told them about things he has achieved. When it comes to his laundry and keeping his room tidy, I do not need to even ask him to do it.
I think because Elliot had experience of residential living for college, that has helped with his confidence of being away from home.”
Local community
Elliot is enjoying his work experience placement with the local council. Also, he enjoys spending time in the local community with his housemate, support staff, and his family.
“Last weekend Elliot joined his housemate and support staff for delicious fish and chips. Everyone travelled to get the fish and chips in the van, and Elliot’s mum and Dad can join Elliot to have a day out together,” says Laura.
Elliot’s interests
Elliot likes his room, especially his black and white colour scheme and his furniture. “I think it is lovely, and I like my 55-inch TV and my black and white chair,” says Elliot.
Elliot is a supporter of Newcastle United football club. “I am a season ticket holder, and I go to a few away games. I go to games with my mum and dad and some of my friends. I'm hoping to take one of my support workers to a football match when it suits them.
It gives me something to do on a Saturday, and I have been a season ticket holder for 14 years now. I like going to matches every weekend and it gives me something to look forward to.”
Elliot’s BBC documentary
Elliot has been working with the BBC for the past five years on a documentary about his inspirational journey from attending college to moving into supported living. “I was doing a BBC documentary for five years, talking about going to College, and my difficulties with getting into social care”, says Elliot. Watch the film here: A Life Of My Own - BBC iPlayer
bbc.co.uk – © copyright 2024 BBC.
Work experience
The BBC documentary has led to some exciting opportunities for Elliot. He has been busy recently modelling for a clothing range with Primark. Elliot enjoyed his experience modelling for Primark and he is looking forward to future training with McGowan.
“I think it’s important that I have something to do during the day just like everybody else out at work,” says Elliot.