These stories embody our charity’s core purpose: to enhance lives and promote positive change. Through human shaped care we uplift voices, foster connection and enable a different narrative to exist.
The following story shares the incredible journey of SB, a young woman who accessed our service in early 2024. Her recovery from a complex and challenging relationship with food is a testament to the power of person-centred care, persistence, and hope. With compassion, patience, and the right support around her, SB has made remarkable progress—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Her journey is one of courage, resilience, and quiet determination.
When SB first arrived at our service in March 2024, she was in a very fragile place. She was severely underweight and had a disordered relationship with food and drinks, struggling not only with her physical health but with a deep sense of fear, anxiety, and emotional turmoil surrounding food. Every mealtime was a battle—one that left her exhausted and isolated.
It was clear from the beginning that SB’s recovery would require more than just a nutritional plan. She required input from multiple support networks, partnership working with health teams, dieticians, Eating Disorder Service and it would take time, patience, and a compassionate, person-centred approach. We knew that rushing wouldn’t help; instead, we focused on meeting her where she was, going at her pace, and giving her space to gradually rebuild trust—in food, in others, and in herself.
From day one, we worked closely with SB to create a plan that felt manageable and safe. We started gently, with high-calorie meals combined with nutritional drinks to help her body begin to heal without overwhelming her. As she grew more confident, we slowly introduced substitutes with her requesting new foods, carefully balancing physical nourishment with emotional readiness.
Alongside this, one small but powerful tool became a constant companion in SB’s recovery: her diary.
From the beginning of her journey to today, SB has carried this diary everywhere. Inside, she keeps a detailed list of everything she eats each day—not as a tool for control, but as a way to stay grounded and connected to her progress. Her diary also includes a list of “safe foods”—meals and snacks she feels comfortable with—which has grown steadily over time.
What started as a tool for reassurance has become something much more. Her diary empowers her. It allows SB to feel included in the process, to participate in meal planning, and to communicate her needs clearly and confidently. It’s also become a beautiful visual reminder of how far she’s come—page by page, meal by meal.
Over time, we’ve watched SB transform. As her physical health improved, her energy returned and her personality began to shine more brightly. Her sessions became filled with laughter, honest reflection, and even moments of pride. She discovered joy in the small things again—like indulging in a sweet treat or sipping her favourite drink, Coca-Cola.
Today, SB is at a healthy weight. She’s more confident, more resilient, and more connected to herself than ever before. And with her trusty diary still by her side, she’s continuing to build a positive and balanced relationship with food. Just recently, she has been discharged from some of her support teams that aided her transformation—a huge milestone that speaks volumes about her courage and commitment.
Recovery isn’t easy. It’s not fast or straightforward. But SB’s story shows us that healing is possible when care is tailored, consistent, and full of heart. We’re incredibly proud of the strength she’s shown and the progress she’s made—and we know her journey will inspire many others who are walking a similar path.
SB’s progress has been remarkable. Her strength and resilience are truly inspiring, and we’re proud to have supported her on this journey.
Kevin’s story shows the power of resilience and dedicated support. Despite having brittle bones from osteoporosis and unpredictable seizures from epilepsy, Kevin stays fully mobile and enjoys activities like springing, spinning, and fast walking. Although he had a wheelchair, he rarely used it.
In 2018, Kevin fractured his leg during a seizure-related fall. During his recovery, Kevin (and our staff) relied more on his wheelchair, with local authorities providing round-the-clock support for his safety. However, this well-intentioned measure led to permanent wheelchair dependence, causing Kevin to lose some of his cherished independence. By 2019, Kevin was using his wheelchair for about 90% of his day and only mobilising around 10% of each day, even though it was clear he had regained full mobility.
Recognising this, we started a daily program to rebuild Kevin’s confidence in walking. Despite small, consistent efforts by the support team to encourage mobilisation, sadly, Kevin suffered another fall, resulting in a second leg fracture and four more months of recovery.
Undeterred, we continued supporting Kevin, staying in constant touch with his parents and specialists to ensure the best rehabilitation practices. Kevin showed sheer determination to walk again, and his progress was evident. However, in August 2021, just four months after his second fracture, a third fall re-fractured his leg – a devastating blow for everyone.
It became clear that we needed a new approach to balance Kevin’s independence with his safety. During his subsequent recovery, we collaborated with an occupational therapist (OT) specialist, Kevin’s parents, and our care staff to think outside the box. The solution was a mobility belt, typically used for helping individuals stand, but repurposed for Kevin to break falls.
After thorough assessments and trials, and with bespoke training for our care team, the mobility belt was implemented. This belt, worn around Kevin’s torso, allowed complete freedom of movement, with staff trained to walk in his footsteps and only intervene to slow a fall when a seizure occurred. The results were remarkable—Kevin’s falls became significantly slower and more controlled, reducing the risk of injury.
Three years after introducing the mobility belt, Kevin has not had a serious fall and since 2024, he walks 80% of the time and uses his wheelchair 20% a stark contrast to his previous ratio. His improved mobility extends into the community, where he enjoys a balance of freedom and safety. Kevin has become more social and spends time in communal areas by choice. This progress is thanks to the combined efforts of his family, the Arundel Road staff, and specialists.
Kevin’s journey shows the impact of personalised care, collaboration, and determination. Through innovation and dedication, we’ve helped him regain independence and enjoy a fuller, more active life, demonstrating the value of seeing each resident as an individual with unique needs and potential.
In 2020, Charles moved from London to Eastbourne for support, overcoming health challenges, stabilising his weight, and thriving in his 90s.
Charles demonstrated incredible resilience and determination when he made the decision to move from London to Eastbourne in September 2020, despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. His primary motivation was to be closer to his sister, and he recognised that he needed additional support in his daily life. Despite facing health challenges such as a recent fall resulting in a broken femur and being underweight, Charles showed remarkable progress within 6 months of moving to Friday Street. Through his perseverance and dedication, he was discharged from the dietician and successfully stabilised his weight. Now in his 90s, Charles continues to lead a fulfilling and settled life, with the support he needs to pursue his interests and activities.
How we supported Ann with here desire to be more proactive and engaged in the community
In January 2024, Ann met with her key worker to discuss her goals and interests. One of the things she expressed interest in was starting a voluntary job. With the support and guidance of her key worker, Ann secured a job interview at the local St. Wilfrid’s charity shop. Following a successful interview, she now dedicates 2-3 hours every Friday morning to her role at the charity shop, with the assistance of her support staff. The job holds significant importance to Ann, as it allows her to actively participate in and contribute to her local community, which she greatly values.