A love of the outdoors that has brought connection, purpose and belonging

Background

Scott (not his real name) came into our support in May 2012 following years of instability, exclusion, and traumatic experiences in childhood services. Before joining us, Scott had been home‑schooled because school environments were overwhelmingly stressful, leading to repeated exclusions. He had lived in numerous residential placements, all of which eventually broke down due to high anxiety, loud vocalisations, and property damage. Earlier in life, Scott had also spent time as an inpatient in a medium secure unit, where he witnessed, and experienced, significant distress.

Scott has a working diagnosis of Autism, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and a mild learning disability. When distressed, he often described his mind as “churning like a washing machine,” with anxiety gripping him minute by minute. Past placements were unable to meet his needs, and the stress of being around neighbours who did not understand him led to further breakdowns, including confrontations that placed him at risk.

Approach

Our approach centred entirely on understanding Scott’s needs, reducing restrictions, and building a life around what brings him joy, meaning, and peace.

After two community placements failed due to noise sensitivity and neighbour reactions, we supported Scott’s move to a detached rural cottage on the River Lea, surrounded by nature, wildlife, and open space, an environment that suits him perfectly.

To further support his wellbeing, we adapted the home with:

• Secondary‑glazed polycarbonate windows
• Reinforced internal walls
• A hot tub to support sensory regulation
• A vegetable garden and potting area
• Tents, kayaks, bikes, and a fire pit for outdoor socialising

This gave Scott the privacy, freedom, and connection to nature he always longed for.

A less restrictive model of support

Scott was clear that 2:1 staffing felt controlling and distressing. We listened.

Despite the challenges, we committed to supporting him on a 1:1 basis, with enhanced risk assessments developed jointly with the CCG to ensure safety and sustainability.

Our focus shifted from managing behaviours to building trust, autonomy, and purpose.

Work centred on daily reassurance, predictable routines, space, movement and nature provided by a skilled workforce

Nurturing strengths & meaningful ambitions

We supported Scott to channel his love of the outdoors into several  projects, including organising a Tree Fair to raise funds for Children in Need. This involved collecting seeds, growing around 1,000 saplings, writing a speech about nature, and hosting local community members, including the Mayor.

Later, we supported Scott’s dream of training for a Channel swim, providing coaching, daily training sessions, travel support and accompaniment for qualifying swims

Outcomes

A stable and  safe home life

Scott now lives somewhere he loves. He regularly says he does not want to move again, and the fear of sudden change, once overwhelming, has reduced dramatically.

Reduced distress and increased emotional stability

Episodes of property damage and high‑level distress are significantly lower than in previous placements. The right environment, routine, and relationships have created a foundation where Scott can regulate more effectively.

Improved wellbeing and self‑confidence

Scott’s daily anxiety is supported through trust, routine, and meaningful activity rather than restriction. He remains stable in the community, something once considered unlikely.

Strength‑based identity

Through his Tree Fair, charity work, and intense Channel swim training, Scott has developed a sense of purpose and achievement.

A life built around independence

By focusing on who Scott is, his passions, talents, and need for freedom, rather than on controlling risk, Scott has:

• Real autonomy
• A sense of belonging
• Increased purpose
• Community connection
• Reduced support (from 2:1 to 1:1)