What Loddon Court Means for Debbie and Charlie

Charlie is 20 years old and full of energy. He loves being out and about, and his mum Debbie says he has a real presence.

Debbie loves him dearly, but caring for him alone has changed her life in ways she never expected. She has no natural support network, and she says, 

“Loddon Court has been a lifeline”.

Charlie has been going to Loddon Court Short Breaks for 2 years. The team understand what matters to him. They take him on long walks because he likes to be on the move, and they support his love of football by taking him to watch Reading FC play.

The last year has been a difficult one because of changes in Charlie’s life, but Loddon Court has been a consistent and supportive presence. Charlie has regular stays at Loddon Court, which give Debbie a real rest and provide Charlie with the routine that helps him feel steady. Debbie can plan her time, and Charlie gets on well with the staff, feeling comfortable and safe with them.

At times Charlie becomes overwhelmed, but the team know how to help him calm down. They talk with Debbie, and value her knowledge of Charlie. As she says, 

“I’m reassured that they support him well. We have had some tricky times which make me worry, but my communication with the team is always good”.

Debbie rarely feels able to go away because she has no one else to rely on if she needed to collect Charlie. But once, when she booked a short trip, the manager Dudu reassured her, saying, “Please go and relax. We will let you know if there are any problems”.

What matters most to Debbie is that Charlie has a good time at Loddon Court. The place feels warm and welcoming. She is grateful for the support and has encouraged other families to try it because she has seen the difference it makes.

For Debbie, Loddon Court is a place that really sees Charlie, understands what he wants and needs, and shapes its support around him.