18th March 2026
Following a STOMP (Stopping Over-Medication of People with Learning Disabilities) review with the psychiatry team, it became clear that Maria*, a woman supported by Discovery in a single-person home, needed more opportunities to broaden her world. She had been prescribed psychotropic medication for many years, and clinicians were keen to begin reducing this -but recognised that this would only be possible if her life became richer, more varied and more connected.
Although she was content in her own company and had warm relationships with her support team, her world had become very small, largely confined to her village. Living with extreme anxiety meant that previous attempts to introduce new activities had often been overwhelming and unsuccessful. Something different was needed – a gentler, more person-centred approach.
After the STOMP review, Support Worker Alisha strongly advocated on her behalf and successfully secured additional 2:1 support hours so that new experiences could be reintroduced safely and sensitively. Alongside her colleague Violet, she began working at the woman’s pace, using tiny steps towards desensitisation and celebrating every achievement, no matter how small.
What started as very gradual progress soon began to gather momentum. Over a few months, the change has been remarkable. Maria has returned to activities she used to love, including swimming, and has discovered new interests such as bowling and attending a fireworks display – something that would previously have felt impossible. She has also taken part in a shared sensory session with someone from another home, opening up new opportunities for connection.
Through Alisha and Violet’s careful planning, patience and encouragement, she has reached another significant milestone. After a series of gradually increasing visits, she has now enjoyed coffee and cake in another home, spending relaxed time with other people we support, joining in conversation and even taking part in a bit of a sing song. For someone who once struggled to leave her home, this represents a profound shift. There is real hope that these experiences will grow into meaningful friendships over time.
Alisha and Violet continue to plan creatively and thoughtfully, always keeping Maria at the centre of every decision. Their work has not only improved her quality of life but is also supporting the wider goal of safely reducing her medication, in line with STOMP principles.
For nearly ten years, she had spent Christmas dinner on her own at home. Over the past few years, she began sharing the meal at the dining room table with her support team, but this year marked a truly remarkable milestone. For the first time, she spent Christmas with friends and some of their relatives around a busy table of 18. She exchanged gifts, celebrated, and had a wonderful day. This had been one of the goals at the start of her journey – a goal that once seemed ambitious – but two years later, it is living proof that hard work, courage, person-centred support, and determination pay off.
Her support team are South West regional winners at the National Learning Disability and Autism Awards and will be heading to the nationals at the end of February. Their dedication and vision continue to transform lives, showing what is possible when support is truly centred around the person.
*not her real name or photo