From Surviving to Living: My Story with Lav Care

When I was 16, my life felt like a chaotic mess. I was in and out of the hospital, moving from ward to ward and changing supported accommodations every six months. After I tried to take my own life, I was told there was nowhere willing to take me. I ended up homeless, labelled “too risky” by everyone who had tried to help. I’d been passed around care companies so many times that I honestly didn’t see a future, and I didn’t want one.

Then Lav Care came into my life.

At first, I thought it would just be another temporary place where I’d get passed on again. But from the moment I moved in, things started to change. It turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made.

When I arrived, I couldn’t do much on my own. I’d just come out of the hospital, where I had to relearn how to walk, eat, and brush my teeth. All the basic things most people don’t think twice about. Lav Care didn’t just help me get through those things; they ensured everything around me was set up so I had the best chance to recover, because they genuinely cared.

The team listened and helped me with everything: driving me to see my family, managing my medication, shopping and budgeting, putting together furniture, cooking when I couldn’t get out of bed, and even coming to the gym with me when I was too scared to go alone. The team even dyed my hair when I didn’t feel like myself.

The team helped me decorate my home, accompanied me to appointments, listened when I needed to be heard, and always respected my wishes.

The team also taught me so many practical skills I’d never learned growing up: how to use a drill, put petrol in a car, pay bills, mow the lawn, cook on a stove, clean an oven, sew, change a lightbulb, even how to canoe, plant flowers, and do my nails.

But what really means everything is how they were there for me at my lowest. The team held me when I was crying on the floor, sat with me when I couldn’t breathe through the pain, and kept me safe when I didn’t want to be. The team never gave up on me, even when I pushed everyone away.

The team gave me safety, loyalty, kindness, and a reason to keep going.

Now, I work for the NHS. I have my own home. I’m thriving with therapy. I have an emotional support dog and am even working towards getting my driving licence. 

I have days where I’m completely independent. I’ve started dispensing my own medication. And most importantly, I have people in my life whom I want to improve for.

I’m still learning and growing every day, but now I finally have a life I want to live.

Honestly, I don’t have the words to explain how thankful I am. Lav Care didn’t just support me; the team gave me my life back. I never thought I’d make it to 17. 

This year, I celebrated my 21s birthday,; and thanks to them, I’ll be celebrating many more birthdays to come.