Celebrating Christmas in their new homes

Four couples are celebrating their first Christmas in their own home in four new houses opened by FitzRoy earlier in the year.  The houses are part of a larger purpose-built development offering self-contained homes, with support staff on hand. It’s a double celebration as most of the couples have never been able to live together in their own house before, despite being partners for years in most cases.

Now, they’re spending Christmas together in their own home for the first time and able to have the festive season they’ve always dreamed of.

One couple, Will and Jo, have had a really tough year, with Will being diagnosed with cancer early in 2024. However, they’ve had the best possible early Christmas present, with Will being given the all-clear just a couple of weeks ago! FitzRoy has supported them throughout, from supporting Will to attend chemo appointments to providing emotional support to Jo as she watched her partner battle cancer. The pair, who’ve been together for six years, are now looking forward to spending a quiet Christmas at home.

Kial and Lucianna have been together for 11 years but had always lived separately and had to arrange meetings around the availability of their staff. Reflecting on her achievements in 2024, Lucianna said: “I’m gaining more independence now, making the most of my support, and gradually getting better with my seizures. I’m looking forward to going out for Christmas with my partner.” Kial is also looking forward to their Christmas together and said: “I’m really proud of myself for getting less anxious with using the bus this year and going for my hospital appointments.”

Married couple Robin and Linda used to live together in a residential care service but are now thriving living more independently in their own home. Linda said: “I’m happy I’ve been able to go out more with my staff’s support – next year I’m aiming to go to more new places.” Robin added: “I’m most proud of getting out of hospital this year and going to dialysis – my goal for 2025 is to get my health better. I’m really looking forward to spending Christmas at home with Linda.”

Final couple Graham and Sam are also looking forward to the festive season. Graham said: “I’m proud of getting my money sorted out this year and my goals for 2025 are to plan our holiday and get better with my bills and money.” Sam agreed, saying: “I’m also looking forward to getting our holiday sorted out for next year.”

This is our first Christmas together and we’re really excited about it.

Owen is also supported by this team and said: “I’m most proud of getting my flat sorted out this year and being able to spend more time with my partner. I’m still considering my goals for 2025.”

Service manager Chloe Asher said: “Most of the people we support here are quite independent, and mostly receive support with managing domestic tasks and attending health appointments. However, there’s always a member of staff available so people can get additional support when they need it. It’s been brilliant seeing all the excitement as people get to decorate their homes the way they want and make plans to spend Christmas however they choose.

It’s so nice to see all the people we support here enjoying Christmas together this year, with smiles on their faces and already in the festive spirit. They’ve all had their challenges this year but stay positive no matter what!