Speaking up and standing strong with Stephen

Stephen lights up every room he enters. He is the heartbeat of his home – the one who makes people laugh, the one everyone looks forward to seeing. Known as the ‘life and soul’ of the house, his warmth, humour and big personality bring joy to everyone around him.

But behind the laughter, Stephen has faced some tough health challenges. He lives with recurring chest infections that can change his life in an instant. One day he is well, the next he is rushed to hospital fighting for his life. More than once, he has needed life support to survive.

At one stage, doctors were hesitant to give him invasive treatment because of his health. But Stephen’s sister and his FitzRoy team were determined. They spoke up, sharing what a full and happy life he enjoys outside of hospital. Only thanks to their intervention was Stephen given the treatment he deserved and he pulled through.

Since then, Stephen has thrived. He continues to make memories with his family, share laughter with his housemates and enjoy an active, vibrant life. And whenever he is admitted to hospital, his FitzRoy team are always there – advocating for him, ensuring he gets the right food and never letting him face it alone. They never stop pushing for what he needs.

Tracy, who manages a range of specialist supported living at FitzRoy, has known Steven for 13 years. She told us:

The team are always on the ball with Stephen. They know him so well and pick up the tiniest changes straight away. Everyone pulls together to make sure he gets what he needs, and that makes such a difference.

Stephen’s sister has often said how much it means to her that staff treat him like family, giving her peace of mind when she can’t be there. She said:

The team really do go the extra mile for Stephen. They manage his medical and dietary needs with such patience and care, while still making sure he doesn’t miss out on living his life. When I visit, it feels like family and I’ll always be grateful for the difference they make.

But it isn’t only Stephen’s story that shows the heart of this team. Over the past year, colleagues have faced tough experiences, including the sudden loss of a dear colleague. Through it all the team pulled together, showing the same strength and compassion for each other as they do for people they support.

Tracy said: “I’ve worked in care since 2001, starting as a part-time support worker before moving into management. I wanted to be a manager who always put the people we support first. What makes me happiest is seeing our team go above and beyond every day.

Through the good days and the hardest ones, our staff live out one of our core FitzRoy values: we are brave. Brave in speaking up for people’s rights, brave in supporting each other through grief, and brave in making sure every person we support is given the chance to live their best life.