Ryan moved into supported living in June 2020, right in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. For Ryan, who has Dravet’s Syndrome, this was a significant change. The transition was challenging for everyone, for Ryan, his family, and Caritas Care’s Supported Living Team, as pulling together the right support team took time.

The team understood that this was a particularly challenging time and recognised the importance of providing the right support to help Ryan thrive. Over time, a dedicated team of eight was carefully built to support Ryan around the clock and as trust grew, so did his progress. To strengthen the service further, a Support Team Leader role was introduced to provide greater oversight and consistency. This addition made a significant difference, both in the quality of the service and in strengthening the relationship with Ryan’s family.

The relationship between Ryan, his support team, and his family has grown from strength to strength. One key milestone was finding a staff member who could drive, allowing Ryan to fully utilise his mobility car. Now, he enjoys a variety of activities, from scenic walks and drives to Ten Pin Bowling and swimming.

In 2024, for the first time since receiving support from Caritas Care, Ryan even enjoyed a holiday with his team.

Reflecting on his progress, Ryan’s mum shared a heartfelt message: “I’ve got my boy back.” Those simple words meant the world to our team, confirming that our patience and dedication had made a real difference.

Following a recent positive review, plans are already underway for Ryan to enjoy more holidays. The Supported Living team recognises that this journey has taken time, but as one staff member put it, “This really does feel like a success story.” None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the Caritas Care team and the trust and patience of Ryan’s family.

Caritas Care is proud to support Ryan in leading the fulfilling, independent life his family always hoped he would.