Bob's story

I was 25 years old when I moved into my own house on 15th October 2007. Before that, I had been living with my parents. The house where we lived was small and not accessible; my dad had to carry me into the house as there were steps leading up to it.

The house was too small to have friends round so I didn’t socialise much, and I couldn’t leave the house on my own. When the opportunity to get my own home appeared, I jumped at it! My parents decorated it, and it was really amazing being somewhere that was just mine. I did feel scared for a few days, being on my own, but I couldn’t wait for my new life to begin! I remember waking one morning and having a shower on my own… getting dressed on my own… using my wheelchair instead of my knees to go to the kitchen… and having breakfast on my own. FREEDOM, that’s my word, and that’s how I felt.

The support I received before, through nobody’s fault, was all about people doing things FOR me. Now, it’s all about people doing things WITH me. This house is my responsibility, and I take pride in making it mine.

I don’t need any support to socialise, as it’s one of my stronger qualities. I have friends staying over or coming to dinner. I love showing off my new house! With my new-found freedom, I find it easy to go out and visit people. I met my girlfriend Lorraine last year… a girlfriend was something I could never see myself having while staying with my parents, and it’s wonderful knowing that she’s there. I have my girlfriend, my best friend, a new car and a brand new, accessible kitchen. I am so happy!