Andy’s Story

Every parent wants their child to be happy and healthy. For Kevin and Shirley, taking care of their son Andy, 45, who has learning difficulties and autism, was an increasing worry as they grew older.

Living at home, Andy had become frustrated and unhappy, growing lethargic and gaining weight. As Andy struggled to express himself, his parents felt unsure of the best way forward. They thought that maybe he wanted to move into his own place but that he couldn’t put it into words.

“We’d taken care of Andy for more than 40 years and we always did everything together, but as we got older it was harder to keep up with him” says Kevin. “I didn’t want Andy to live anywhere else but then we heard about supported living at the Rossendale Trust.”

“When we asked the Trust to help find a home for Andy, they took great care to find the right place” adds Shirley. “They wanted to make sure he would be happy and fit in with the other tenants.”

Within six months of moving into a shared house, Andy was a changed man, cheerful and energetic with a zest for life. It was a remarkable transformation. Embracing everyday tasks like shopping, cleaning and gardening, Andy took control of his own health and learnt how to cook himself healthy meals.

Perhaps most importantly, Andy’s relationship with his family was restored and he now enjoys spending quality time with his parents before heading back to his own home.

“I’m very proud of my room,” says Andy. “I love it here and I have lots of friends. There’s something to do every day and it helps keep me out of trouble!”

Head of Supported Living at Rossendale Trust, Andrea Wright, adds: “Andy’s story really sums up what we are all about. Giving our tenants the opportunity to live more independently and taking control of their day to day lives and futures. As important is the difference it makes to families, knowing that their loved one is happy and living in a safe and caring, supported environment which they can call home.”