James

James had a long history of emotional and physical abuse and severe neglect. He was seventeen when he arrived at the Cardinal Hume Centre. During his initial assessment, James said he felt anxious, angry and depressed. He displayed signs of low self-esteem and poor personal hygiene.

During the first months of his stay, James isolated himself from the staff and the other residents. He actively avoided engagement other than the required meetings with his key worker. He was isolated and hardly ventured out of his room during the day. On inspection of his living space, it was clear that James was not coping. His room was extremely messy and his personal hygiene had deteriorated further.

Concerned for his deteriorating physical, mental and emotional health, James’s key-worker and life skills worker made a robust new support plan, with James agreeing to meet weekly with both workers. Sensitively, the most pressing issues of personal care were addressed first. James was given toiletries, washing powder and clean bed linen.

During regular meetings, cooking sessions and shopping trips, James became more open to discussing relationships within his family and the impact that these have had on him and he became more open to them helping him with the practical issues he’d been struggling with.

James is now looking after his room and his personal care has improved significantly. He no longer has to be coaxed out of his room, he is now always early for meetings or activities and participates fully. He is more interested in other aspects of his life and is accepting help. James hopes to get into employment and move on. He is aware of what he needs to do and is taking significant steps in the right direction.