our users

Just two of the people who have benefited from our services over the past year. Thank you to them and their families, for agreeing to let us tell their stories.

Barney Cranmer
Barney Cranmer, 62, was understandably nervous about coming to Jane Percy House, a residential unit run by the Trust in Cramlington, Northumberland, for a week of respite care.

‘I’d never experienced respite care before. I honestly thought it would be like a hospital,’ says Barney. ‘But how wrong I was! There was a great atmosphere with laughing and joking and we got the chance to go to the pub or the shopping centre, which was nice. I had my own spacious room and shower. I can’t praise the staff enough.’

Barney, who uses a wheelchair, is cared for by his wife, who had the welcome chance of a break. ‘The only criticism I have is that there aren’t more places like this!’

Darren Grant
When Darren Grant, 24, came to our Hollyrood service three years ago, he used to wear his hat pulled down over his face so you could not see his eyes. He could be aggressive too, and it took staff many months to gain his trust.

Over many months, staff at Hollyrood (a centre for 24 adults with autism) helped Darren manage his anxieties. He now lives in a small community-based project run by the Disabilities Trust in Hampshire, along with five others in a house in the community.

‘I’ve definitely made progress with my temper and talk to people more now,’ says Darren, who has found work at a local supermarket, where he is a popular member of the team. He also attends a local college.

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