People are at the heart of shaping the support they receive and at Certitude, colleagues work closely with people, their families, and local authorities to ensure support is responsive, empowering, and person led.
“We didn’t just want Ramesh to be safe. We wanted him to thrive and that’s exactly what’s happened. He’s grown in confidence, makes his own choices, and lives life his way.”
Ramesh’s story
Ramesh’s journey into supported living began a decade ago when his father underwent a heart transplant. Moving into a shared flat in Bexley marked a turning point, not just for his independence but for his personal growth.
With tailored support, Ramesh has embraced a life filled with everyday joys and meaningful routines. From reading the newspaper and exploring his local community, he’s built a life that reflects his interests and values. Living with diabetes, he’s taken charge of his health with walks and cooking healthy meals and is even considering a cookery course at a local college to expand his skills.
His father, Raja, reflects proudly: “We didn’t just want Ramesh to be safe. We wanted him to thrive and that’s exactly what’s happened. He’s grown in confidence, makes his own choices, and lives life his way.”
Quality Partnership
Both Ramesh and Raja are members of Certitude’s newly established Local Quality Partnership, helping to shape the support experience for others too. These partnerships bring together residents, families and colleagues to co-design better ways of living. Following discussion everyone now has their own key which has further boosted independence and choice.
The group also championed more person-centred reviews to ensure that people’s goals and aspirations are at the heart of their support. Activities tailored to individual interests, like attending football matches, have brought unexpected joy – even for Ramesh, a previously reluctant football fan who now cheers for Manchester United with enthusiasm.
Working together
By working together, Ramesh and others are also taking a more active and influential role in their communities.
One individual recently represented their voice at the Learning Disability Conference in Manchester, while another took part in an All-Party Parliamentary Group on social care, meeting MPs and contributing to national conversations.
Together, Ramesh’s personal journey and the collective efforts in Bexley highlight the power of thoughtful, inclusive support. But it’s not just about support – it’s about creating lives filled with purpose, connection, and choice.