Alie

As one of our young people prepared to move from Oakfield into her very own home at 18, she chose to write a heartfelt letter for the next young person who may be joining us.

Her journey is one we are incredibly proud of. Alie achieved amazing things during her time at Oakfield.

Before joining us, Alie spent six months in hospital. Due to the complexity of her needs, and the perception that she was “too high risk,” she remained in hospital longer than expected, as no residential service felt able to support her safely.

When Alie arrived at Oakfield, we worked closely with her through a focused and nurturing seven-month period. During this time, she truly flourished- growing in confidence, independence, and belief in her own abilities.

Alie's Letter to another Young Person

Welcome to Oakfield, my name is Alie and I live at one of the other homes with my cat Tallulah...

I just wanted to write to you to tell you my experience whilst being here and hopefully answer a few questions or talk through what it is like working towards independent living.

I turn 18 in April and Oakfield is for those under 18, and when I arrived to Oakfield just under a year ago, I was terrified. I didn’t know what my options were until they were explained. Naturally the idea of living on my own at 18 sounded amazing and I knew that was my goal, even though I had a lot of challenges to reach it.

It may seem overwhelming at first but I know you will be able to do it! I started on high risk. Now I have independent time where I am able to leave the placement alone, I never thought I’d get to that point.

The thing that has helped me the most is coming to terms with the fact that recovery is a choice; in the past when I was told this it made me so frustrated and it seemed others wrote it off like it was nothing. Recovery isn’t being happy all the time, it’s admitting when you’re struggling and not ignoring bad days. It is the hardest thing I’ve done and I’m still working through it. And without that choice I wouldn’t be a month away from independence.

Another thing that has helped me is finding something you’re passionate about and incorporating it into activities and your daily life. For an example, I love animals so I now volunteer at a rescue shelter for cats and rabbits; I go twice a week. You can link it to anything, either a hobby like art or a sport. And if you’re unsure you could always try something new.

The best advice I can give you if you want to go into independence is practice those skills such as cooking and cleaning. It gives staff a good indication that you’re able to do those tasks for yourself. At my placement we have A LOT of tick chore sheets (were very annoying at first) and those have helped create a routine for me to stick to and prove that when I live on my own my home will be looked after.

I can proudly say Oakfield is the best thing that has ever happened to me and it whittles down to the people who work in my placement. They all individually have made such an impact on my life and it’s so weird to think a year ago they were strangers. Your staff are there for you entirely and I’ve been able to open up and talk about things and feelings I never thought I would disclose.

I am currently looking at flats to move into and although it’s scary I’m so glad that my efforts have paid off and I can move on with my life. I want you to know that although I don’t know you, I am so proud of you and I know you will flourish at Oakfield and if you decide to work to independence I promise you, you will not regret it.

If you have any question or queries about Oakfield or independence then staff are there to help, but I’m more than happy to do so too.

Sincerely,
Alie

Oakfield Comments

"Alie's progress was remarkable. She successfully transitioned into her own supported living home and is now thriving at university, following her dreams and building the future she once thought was out of reach.

Her letter stands as a message of encouragement, showing what is possible with the right support, understanding, and opportunity."

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