When Sophie moved into her own home in 2021, she was doing something she had never done before.
The move came during the Covid pandemic, following the loss of her mum. Alongside settling into a new home, she was managing day-to-day tasks independently, from shopping and budgeting to cooking and looking after her flat.
For the past five years, Sophie has been building her independence while living in supported accommodation.
Earlier this year, Sophie decided she wanted to take on a new challenge.
During a tenancy review, Sophie told Fay Rubisch, a housing enabler with Bromford, that she wanted to find a job. She was keen to meet new people, learn new skills and spend more time out in the community. Those conversations led to a voluntary placement at a local café.
"At the start of the year, Sophie identified that she would love to work in a café," says Fay. "She wanted to work somewhere she could meet new people and learn new skills."
Sophie began to work at the café two days a week, helping to prepare drinks and food, serving customers and supporting the rest of the café team.
"I'm just happy to go to work," Sophie explains. "I just want to do more."
According to Fay, Sophie settled into the role quickly.
"It's amazing to see Sophie working in the café environment," she says. "She seems like she's been there for years when, in fact, it's only been a couple of months."
Fay says Sophie's progress reflects what My Place is designed to support. "My Place is massively important. Everyone deserves their own home. Everyone needs that safe, secure base."
The Bromford My Place service supports adults with additional needs to live independently in their own homes while remaining connected to their local communities.
For Sophie, that has meant having a place of her own, working in her local café and pursuing new interests.
