Moving on from Base House

SWALLOW's Base House enables members to stay over one night a week to learn vital independent living skills. It can often be the first time that members have stayed away from the family home and thus, their first taste of independence. We currently support 21 members to develop their skills at Base House.

One of our members has recently transitioned from Base House, having found a new supported living home to move into. We were sad to say goodbye, but over the moon for her - and all the progress she had made - at the same time.

Joanna had been coming to Base House for a year and a half with the aim improving her independent living skills. One of her goals that she had set out when she started, was to improve her cooking skills and become more confident in the kitchen. Joanna wanted to be able to make a roast dinner, which she successfully completed after a few Base House visits and enjoyed eating with her peers!

Joanna is also pleased that she has expanded her tastebuds and has got very good at making curry - which she thought she did not like before joining Base House. She has also become accomplished at using the air fryer and has since bought one in preparation for her new flat.

Joanna also honed her cleaning skills at Base House and says she feels very confident that she will be able to keep her new flat clean, hoovered and tidy.

Along with these fundamental skills, Joanna formed close friendships with her fellow peers at Base House and has enjoyed going on trips to Wetherspoons with them. Social life is an integral part of spending time at Base House, we try to match members who we think will get along well, enabling long-lasting friendships to form.

She told us that she has really enjoyed her time at Base House and says she will miss coming on a Sunday and will particularly miss spending time with her fellow Base House mates - but she very much intends to keep in touch with them into the future.

We are proud to be able to support people on their journeys towards independence and we wish Joanna all the best for her future.