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Judith's Story
Judith’s home is her place of peace and comfort, it is her sanctuary. It took her a long time and a difficult journey to find the right place and to be supported by the right people. But now that she has, she has found her life of meaning and purpose, of contribution and connection. Those who know Judith well recognise and understand the impact of the trauma she experienced and how it impacts how she experiences life today. This respect for history and experience is an example of how small supports help people begin to live their best lives.
Judith told her story in the company of Tracy and Sharon, who are part of her wider support team.
Connected
Judith told her story in a local community centre she goes to frequently. She spoke about her life now and her story of how she arrived at his place in her life. She was supported to tell her story by Tracy and Sharon.
History
Judith was born in Behar in India and moved to England when she was a child.
She lived with her mum and dad and grandmother. After her mum died Judith lived with her dad for two years. Shen then moved through six ‘placements’ before ending up in Tendring, a hospital in Colchester where she lived for a further 10 years.
Hospital Was Not A Safe Or Happy Place To Live
The everyday small but harmful indignities of locked doors and people denied the opportunity to undertake day to day tasks that they are perfectly capable of doing. Hospitals in fact making people less capable than they are.
Of not being able to get a drink when you wanted one.
Being away from family and having no privacy, people walking into your bedroom.
Family not being able to share gifts and treats.
Losing your personal belongings. When clothes went into the wash they wouldn’t always come back.
Family
Judith’s dad was instrumental to Judith moving out of hospital. He wanted her to live nearer to him and got in touch with Partners in Support asking if they would help.
Getting the Right Home was Difficult
Judith has ‘been moved’ many times. Understandably moving makes her anxious.
Judith moved into private rented accommodation and then, through no fault of her own, was asked to leave. It was another stressful move and it took her a while to settle into her new home. Having good public transport access to the town and cake helped.
Feeling Safe Takes Time
Being moved around from place to place and having no choice over your day-to-day life or living environment is a traumatic experience. It takes its toll on people, and it can take a long time to feel safe and secure, even in your own home with a supportive and understanding team.
Some of the survival techniques you learn can take a long time to leave you, if they ever do.
It is important for Judith that she oversees the laundry being done, she gets help to separate the colours and get the job done. She then puts her washing away.
In institutions people’s personal possessions are often ‘lost’ in the laundry. Understanding Judith’s history means respecting her experience and supporting her in a way that honours that.
Pets Make A Home
It took a long time for Judith to move to her ‘forever home’. It took a lot of work on the part of the small support provider, Partners in Support, championing Judith’s right to appropriate housing. Having her cat Simba is part of what makes Judith feel this is her safe place.
Being Part Of Something Bigger
Judith lives in a cul de sac and she gets on with her neighbours who welcomed her when she moved in with gifts.
Judith plays a big role with her local community. She posts leaflets for the local community centre sharing the news about the all the activities that are happening.
Judith also volunteers at the local food pantry sharing food with local members of the community who otherwise would do without.
She also volunteers at a local charity shop
Following Your Passions
Judith has many passions and interests she pursues that give her great pleasure. She has been a member of a local dance group which she has attended every week for 8 years. The group practice together and have performances throughout the year. And through the dance group other opportunities have arisen.
Like many people Judith enjoys going on holiday and has travelled near and far have great experiences and collecting wonderful memories.
Judith has an incredible zest for life and given the opportunity is grabbing it with both hands. Her enthusiasm is infectious.
Spending Time With Friends
Judith has a good group of friends she spends time with doing the things that are important to her, and yes that does sometimes mean eating cake. She met her friend Sarah at college.
Judith has made a life for herself. She has grasped every opportunity that has been available to her and made the most of it. The people who work in her team ‘love’ working with her. Her life is extraordinary in that it was so hard for her to find the right support and the right house for her to live her good life. Nothing about what Judith wants and needs is extraordinary. It is the simple things, safety, relationships, meaning and purpose. It really is what we all want and need.
Feel free to share your kind thoughts on Judith's story
