Carl* first came to The Vines in 2001, following a heart attack that left him with a hypoxic brain injury. Carl had since struggled to communicate to staff and residents, and would only speak a handful of words a day.
Over the last year, Carl has been spending Monday afternoons at a café club for individuals with similar needs and conditions. Carl’s confidence has increased and he has been building relationships with other attendees, even greeting them each week. Recently, a 50’s tribute singer visited the café club and encouraged Carl to join her in singing ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’.
Carl walked to the front of the café and began to sing the words to the song in a quiet volume. As the song progressed, Carl got louder and louder, as did the smile on his face. Both staff and Carl were thrilled with his performance and the progress that he has made. Carl is looking forward to the tribute singer coming back to the café club, so he can sing another song with her again.
*Name has been changed to protect the resident's identity.