Liam

At 24, Liam is preparing to move into his own home for the first time - an exciting step for anyone, but especially for someone like Liam, who has learning disabilities and has worked hard to gain the skills needed to live independently.  

Just two years ago, he was unsure of how to manage everyday tasks and lacked the confidence to live independently. Now, with the support he’s received at Sanctuary Supported Living’s Oak Lodge, Liam is excited for what’s next, feeling more prepared about his future. 

By the end of 2022, Liam was struggling with emotional management and aggressive behaviours, and being at home with his parents meant he hadn’t yet gained the skills needed to handle everyday life on his own. Feeling overwhelmed by his circumstances, Liam was referred from Norfolk County Council and became one of the first tenants at the new supported living service at Oak Lodge - providing temporary, move-on accommodation and support for adults with a range of learning disabilities and low-level support needs.  

Liam quickly began making progress with the steady guidance of his Project Worker, James, and the supportive team around him. Together, they helped him tackle the challenges of building life skills, from budgeting and boosting his confidence, to improving his social interactions and developing healthier relationships. Along the way, Liam developed the practical skills needed to live independently, including cooking (though pizza nights are still a firm favourite!), handling laundry, managing his finances, and confidently making calls to external providers like his GP, repair services, and utility companies. The changes came step by step, but Liam’s commitment to gaining independence and mastering essential skills kept him on track. 

As Liam continued to make strides in his personal growth, he also took a more active role in making Oak Lodge feel like home. From suggesting ideas for decorating the space, to taking part in resident meetings, Liam’s involvement played a key part in shaping the service to better meet the needs of the people who live there. At the same time, he built meaningful connections in the local area. He secured a paid job at Domino’s, where he gained valuable experience, developing teamwork and customer service skills. Outside of work, he struck up a friendship with the police beat manager, often stopping for a chat over coffee, and became a familiar face at a pub run by the mayor’s family, where he enjoys socialising. These interactions have made him feel truly connected and like an integral part of the community. 

Liam also formed lasting friendships with fellow residents during his time at Oak Lodge, who have become a key part of his journey. As he prepares to move on, he’s eager to continue nurturing the connections he’s made by keeping in touch with his friends, even when they are no longer neighbours. With new-found confidence, Liam has become better equipped to express his needs and desires, and his improved emotional management has brought him closer to his family. 

Reflecting on his time at Oak lodge, Liam shared, “I felt overwhelmed when I joined the service and things were difficult, but I stuck with it and now I am getting my own property.” He spoke highly of the support he received, saying, “I think the support has been good, and there should be more services out there like this to help people with their independence.” Liam is especially grateful for the staff: “Sanctuary is the best thing that happened to me, and I wish I had known about it sooner. All the staff have been amazing.”