19th November 2021
Sanctuary Supported Living
Exploring the local landscape has become a positive escape for Gary who receives support for his mental health.
Sanctuary Supported Living’s Station Road in Darlington provides supported accommodation for adults with mental health needs and learning disabilities, where 57-year-old Gary has been supported since 2019.
Gary has been known to mental health services for many years due to drug and alcohol misuse, and has been in and out of hospital throughout his adult life. Due to the limited number of mental health services in the area, Gary was placed in a residential care home as that was the closest service that met his needs, until he heard about Station Road. He was interviewed for a place and was delighted to secure a room in the shared house.
Upon arrival, he initially felt very anxious but gradually came out of his shell and tailored support started to make a big difference. Gary is a very keen walker and loves going out in the local community, but due to his mental health challenges, often found it difficult to venture further afield without becoming overwhelmed or suffering from panic attacks.
However, recently, with the support of his Project Worker, Richard Dixon and Local Service Manager Ian Davison, Gary enjoyed a hike to visit High Force waterfall in Teesdale and celebrated by treating himself to a cappuccino and scone in a nearby café – a huge achievement for him.
Gary said, “I really enjoyed the hike to High Force waterfall and I feel really proud of my achievement. I’m looking forward to visiting more places when I can. I feel great and would like to do more travelling, thanks to the staff”.
"We all very much believe Gary’s best years are ahead of him."
Project Worker, Richard, said: “Gary did an amazing job and really enjoyed the visit. All of the staff here at Station Road, are immensely proud of him for completing this and plan to look at similar trips in the coming year.
He’s gone from strength to strength, has remained alcohol and drug-free and next year he hopes to move to accommodation with less support, where he can live more independently. We all very much believe Gary’s best years are ahead of him”.
Sanctuary Supported Living’s Station Road is a six-bedroom shared house in Darlington, where adults aged 18 and over, who have mental health needs and low or medium level learning disabilities, can receive the care and support they need to develop their skills and live as independently as possible.
