4th March 2026
Sarah* is a person with ambition, curiosity and a real desire to do more for herself. With the right support, she consistently shows how capable she is, and every step forward has had a clear, positive impact on her wellbeing. While her current support hours meet her essential needs, they have left limited time for the many activities she enjoys and wants to explore further.
One area we kept reflecting on was Sarah’s eating and drinking support. Sarah loves her tea and coffee and enjoys taking her time with them. Until now, this meant a colleague needed to be with her throughout, which could take up a significant portion of her support hours each day. Over time, the team continued to thoughtfully question whether this level of support was still necessary, always keeping Sarah’s safety and independence at the heart of the conversation.
Following a recent team discussion, the team reached out to Speech and Language Therapy ( SALT), sharing clear evidence and advocating for Sarah’s growing independence. After a positive and collaborative conversation, it was agreed that a colleague no longer needs to sit with Sarah for every drink.
This single decision has created a meaningful shift. Sarah can now enjoy a drink independently, and the time freed up can be used in ways that matter most to her – attending events, joining clubs, going out, and expanding her world. The team will also explore supportive technology to help Jasmine develop skills in making her own drinks, opening the door to even more independence in the future.
This moment reflects so much of what great support looks like:
- The courage of a team who kept asking thoughtful questions
- Strong partnership working with professionals, built on trust and shared goals
- Integrity in consistently gathering and sharing evidence
- Respect for Sarah’s time, choices and priorities
- Ambition for Sarah’s future and belief in her potential
Above all, it shows how what may seem like a small change can lead to lasting progress, greater choice and a richer, more independent life for Sarah.
*name has been changed as this person wanted to remain anonymous