Nathan achieves artistic dreams through community and support

Nathan, 41, moved into Station Mews in 2021, after living in another supported living service, which his loved ones felt wasn’t fully meeting his needs. He had previously worked with the manager at Station Mews, as she had supported him at another service around 20 years ago, which meant that he felt comfortable with her, and so the move to Station Mews felt like a very natural choice for him.

Nathan, who has a passion for writing and music, receives regular support from the whole Station Mews team, including with day-to-day household tasks, money management and life admin, and attending healthcare appointments. The staff also support him to enjoy local community life and take part in fulfilling activities amongst friends, as well as work towards achieving his personal goals. For Nathan, this means building on his passions for poetry and music.

Nathan is a talented and creative poetry writer, who already has two published works to his name, and plans to publish a third in the future. He also puts his poetic skills to use alongside his enthusiasm for music, as he writes his own rap lyrics, which he records with the help of a local music producer. He is very sociable, and with support from the staff, gained the confidence to begin regularly performing his poetry and music in front of his Station Mews friends.

In addition to performing his own written work for his friends and neighbours, Nathan attends a weekly stagecraft group run by Arty Party, an arts organisation which supports and empowers learning disabled adults to explore, express and celebrate their creativity. As part of the group, Nathan enjoys doing contemporary dance and movement, and acting, and has even been to London to perform.

Nathan’s artistic talents also extend to pottery, which he enjoys doing every week, alongside other adults with disabilities, who get together to create their own clay masterpieces. He has also branched out into Tai Chi, which he has recently begun doing in a local community class, which further adds to the mental health benefits and sense of wellbeing that he gets from his other creative pursuits.

Thanks to the care and support Nathan has received at Station Mews, he’s now in a much better place mentally and emotionally, and he has the support he needs to be able to do the things he enjoys. With the team’s reassurance and encouragement, he now has the confidence and determination to go outside of his comfort zone and achieve things that he previously didn’t think were possible.

Nathan said: “I like all of the staff at Station Mews, they are kind and supportive, and I know I can always talk to them if I have any concerns or issues.”

Melissa Knox, Local Service Manager for Station Mews, said: “It’s been wonderful to see Nathan grow in confidence and take on new challenges. We’re so proud to be able to support him in accomplishing his goals – he’s a real inspiration to everyone here.

“International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate the success of people like Nathan, who, with the right support, can not only gain the skills they need to live as independently as possible, but also achieve their fullest potential when it comes to achieving their personal hopes and dreams.”

As well as services for people with learning disabilities, Sanctuary Supported Living also provides accommodation with personalised support for people with physical disabilities, mental health needs, and homeless young people and adults, as well as retirement communities for people over 55 or with long-term care needs. To find out more about Sanctuary Supported Living’s services, see the latest news or find a service near you.