Jim's Story

Jim (not his real name) lives in a large residential home for people with learning disabilities. He is completely dependent on others for personal care as he is physically disabled and in a wheelchair.

Just Advocacy became involved in the home when there were concerns about the quality of care in the home.

Jim made himself known to our advocate. He had lots to say about his life in the home and about what he wanted for himself; no-one had listened before.

Jim's relationship with our advocate was very important to him, but he was frightened about saying what troubled him to those looking after him in case it made things worse for him. He trusted the advocate to keep things confidential until he was ready to speak out.

Jim had lived in the home for over 20 years, since he was a child. He had few experiences outside the home, but knew that he wanted to move.

With our advocate's help others began to see Jim as a real person, with a personality, feelings and wishes of his own.

We hope that he will be moving to a place of his choice before long.