Ryan’s Story: From Prison To Progress!

Ryan’s story began under challenging circumstances, marked by severe behavioural concerns, property damage, and a profound disconnection from self-care. His journey with iBC Healthcare began upon his release from prison, where he faced the prospect of re-entering society without housing or adequate support.

Ryan has Autism and faces challenges daily, associated to his understanding, emotion regulation, history of substance misuse and disinhibited behavior. Upon completing a remote assessment with the prison, and meeting Ryan virtually; we were pleased to be able to offer our support upon his release in just 7 days’ time. Helping to ensure that Ryan received the intervention he needed, in a suitable and robust environment. Preventing the risk of him re-offending and to keep him safe with the support he needed and deserved.

Ryan’s MDT explained that he needed “high levels” of support to keep him and others safe, and an out of county placement was specifically being sourced due to the nature of his offences. Ryan’s desire to return home clashed with concerns over community and family safety. Therefore, iBC offered the newly refurbished Aspen House, a three-bedroom property, in Leicester. iBC Healthcare recognised the complexities that Ryan faced, and that they didn’t align with his wishes. This embarked on a tailored approach to his pathway of returning home.

The transition from prison to the community for Ryan, was not easy. While navigating some system’s failures, Ryan entered an episode of Psychosis. This required 3:1 support to keep him safe. iBC maintained our advocation for the support and intervention he needed, and were committed in understanding his mental health cycles. In time, Ryan was supported by his staff team to enable a recovery pathway. This enabled him to learn coping strategies to prevent breakdown. Ryan’s social worker told iBC:

“You have committed to Ryan* and have gotten the jist of him in amazingly difficult circumstances. I was really impressed by all the team and especially how they were interacting with him and in his very few lucid moments how he was responding back. Thank you for everything. It might not seem like it, but you are making a difference to him in keeping him safe.”

Through supervised train visits, opportunities for positive risk-taking, and enhanced staff training. iBC Healthcare prioritised gradual steps towards Ryan’s ultimate goal of returning home. Specialised mental health training enabled the team to effectively manage Ryan’s behavioural patterns, supplemented by intensive debriefs for staff members. Small, yet significant gestures – such as accompanying Ryan to his first haircut, played a pivotal role in rebuilding his self-esteem and reinforcing personal care routines. Due to the complexities of the transition, our Therapeutic Support team lead by James Punch (PBS Lead) facilitated Ryan’s visit to the Barbers. James said:

“Ryan* appeared incredibly happy being able to get his haircut. We paid for a full service, something Ryan said he had never had before. Ryan saw himself in the mirror and he was clearly shocked. He had a huge smile from ear to ear and said that he couldn`t believe that was him and asked if it was real. I praised him for how well he did and how amazing he looked, saying he was a good looking guy! Which he laughed and smiled at. He repeatedly said thank you and his whole attitude improved saying he felt confident. I knew he was truly grateful and it was such a lovely moment to share with him. What many of us take for granted, can be huge steps forward for the people we support.”

One year later:

With dedicated support from iBC Healthcare’s clinical teams, such as PBS. Ryan’s supportive needs decreased from 3:1 to a 1:1 staff ratio, signifying remarkable progress. Ryan’s support team once compiled of only male staff members, in-line with presented risks and the nature of his offences. However, iBC gradually re-introduced female staff members in to Ryan’s support circle, overcoming previous barriers and fostering the supportive environment that he wanted. Ryan also began to rebuild a positive relationship with his Dad, who he hadn’t seen for many years.

Today, iBC Healthcare proudly shares Ryan’s upcoming transition back to his home city. Where he will reside in a shared supported living home tailored to his wishes and goals, embracing newfound independence.

Ryan’s path was once clouded with uncertainty and barriers, as he awaited his release from prison. But now, he is preparing for his first-ever job search, a testament to his resilience and newfound confidence. His journey underscores the transformative power of personalised care, patience, and positive risk-taking in achieving successful community reintegration. Liz Snow, Regional Manager for supported living says

“Ryan’s* story has been positive news from start to finish. It hasn’t been easy, but the consistency of person-centred approaches and our commitment in understanding his emotional cycles has gotten him to where he is today.”

Sharing his story with others, Ryan reflects on the incredible transformation he has undergone. Embracing the opportunity to live the life he wishes, free from institutionalisation and restrictive practices, in his local community. His journey with iBC Healthcare serves as an inspiring testament to the potential for growth and fulfillment, even in the face of adversity.

Thank you to the Supported Living Team Leicester and Therapeutic Support services for enabling these opportunities for Ryan. It’s stories like this that reinforce why we do what we do. To #doamazingeveryday and encourage the people we support to do the same, whatever amazing means to them.

Aspen House is now available for an individual in need of similar opportunities, please email referrals@ibchealthcare.co.uk to enquire.

*Ryan’s name has been changed to protect his identity