Anthony came to Priory as a resident at Riverbank, one of Priory’s residential services in Hull. He has since progressed in his pathway and is now a tenant at Suttons House, a Priory Supported Living Hull & East Riding service.
“Before living at Riverbank, I lived in a hostel and did not get much support. I struggled with my independence skills and mental health. Now these have improved a lot; I am living in my own flat, still with Priory, but this is supported living and my own flat.
Support at Riverbank
“At the beginning I struggled with keeping my bedroom clean, cooking for myself, managing money and having safe relationships with other people. I also used to get stressed out a lot and damage property; at times, I was contacted by the police because of this.
I worked with the staff a lot at Riverbank. We discussed my aims and goals and they would make care plans with me. I got to choose how staff would work with me, to help me become independent. I have always wanted my own place, so plans were set out to help me with that.
We completed a weekly planner together, which helped me understand what tasks to do and how this would help me. I still continue this daily routine now, and I am more confident carrying out tasks such as changing my bed, cleaning my clothes, and wiping surfaces. I also cooked with the staff; we cooked meals in my bedroom as I had a kitchenette. I also enjoyed going in Riverbank’s main kitchen, as I could spend time helping the chef prepare meals.
Whenever I got upset, staff spent a lot of time with me to work on how I can seek support and have therapeutic time to discuss things that worry me, rather than becoming frustrated or damaging things. We put a plan in place to help me with this, and we also agreed that staff could speak with me if they felt I was becoming agitated. This worked really well and I haven’t damaged property in a long time.
Transition to Sutton House
“We agreed that it was time for me to move to further independence and gain my own flat. I still require support and work with the staff here in supported living. When I got nervous about moving, the staff reassured me and supported me with each step. We did a plan and worked with my social worker. I enjoyed creating a list with the staff and treating myself to items I would need. I created a big list with staff to choose everything I wanted to furnish my new flat. We picked a nice sofa, new bed, cutlery, a nice TV, along with more stuff, to make sure I had everything I needed.
I visited Sutton House a few times before I moved, to meet the staff and spend time there. I also picked my flat, where I am now living. I am happy and carry out activities here, along with my daily living skills. I have been visiting the music nights in town and I do a weekly shop with the staff to fill my fridge and also continue with my daily routine. I feel at home and I am looking forward to the future."