From 25 years in a secure hospital to a proper home

FitzRoy has always believed in real homes, not hospitals.

For over 25 years, Ian lived in secure hospitals, following strict routines and always under supervision. But last year Ian moved into his own home. And now, just over a year later, his life has transformed.

A previous move into supported living had broken down, so when FitzRoy first met Ian, we knew we had to take things slowly and build trust. Over those 18 months, we visited him regularly, prepared his new home, and planned every step of his move.

When he finally moved in 2024 he was in his mid fifties. After two and a half decades in secure hospitals, he still needed two staff with him at all times. It must have felt so intrusive for him, but it kept him safe while he settled in and got used to his new freedom and the enormous life change he was experiencing.

As you would expect, at first, he rarely went out on his own and needed support with everyday activities and tasks. But he has now began to take control of his life. He has things to look forward to, a sense of purpose and the freedom to make choices.

Living life his way

Today, Ian is thriving in his own home, which he’s proudly named Magpie’s Den in honour of his favourite football team. He gets to do the things that so many of us take for granted. Something as simple as being able to answer his own front door or have a barbecue when he wants. He has been on his first holiday in over 30 years. A week in Skegness that was such a blast he’s already planning his next holiday abroad.

He has built a strong relationship with his fiancée, who he met while in hospital. This year they spent Valentine’s Day together for the first time – a really special milestone for them both.

Ian has also been enjoying discovering new hobbies, meeting new people and socialising again. He holds a season ticket for Notts County and goes to matches. He plays 5-a-side football weekly at the local football club and loves joining in on the pub quiz afterwards. These ordinary pleasures – sport, relationships, routines – are the building blocks of his happiness.

Support that works

Ian’s journey is a testament to what the right support can achieve. With a learning disability and a mental health condition, Ian needs support to live independently. His support team, headed by Ronald, has remained stable and meet regularly to reflect on what’s working for Ian and what they can do better. Everyone involved – from clinicians to social workers to support staff – works together to listen to Ian and support him in the ways that matter most to him. It’s this kind of joined-up, thoughtful approach that makes a real difference in his life and keeps Ian living at home.

Ronald said:

FitzRoy’s values, especially ‘we see the person,’ really guide my work. Being person-centred isn’t just a phrase, it’s the backbone of what we do here.

What’s next?

Ian is already planning his next holiday and looking ahead to the future with his fiancée. He has things to look forward to, a sense of purpose, and the freedom to make choices. As Ronald puts it:

We’re supporting him to live gloriously ordinary days.