When we got a call about Maria, it was clear that this was not an ordinary case. Maria, a young woman with ADHD, Autism, and a history of severe self-harm, was going through experiences that no one should have to endure. She was sleeping on a shabby mattress in the middle of a hospital’s A&E department, a chaotic, noisy, and deeply unsuitable environment for someone as vulnerable as her. Her family and care professionals were desperate to find a solution, one that would not only stabilise her but also help her rebuild her life. That’s when Standby24 stepped in. More than just a care provider, we became a source of hope & lifeline, determined to make a difference in Maria’s life.
The Call for Urgent Action
Maria’s situation was critical and demanded immediate action. Standby24 recognised the urgency, and within just eight hours of receiving the referral, we assembled a dedicated 5:1 support team. These caregivers were not only specially trained to manage complex needs, but they also brought something invaluable to the table: compassion, understanding, and a human touch.
This was much more than just following checklists or healthcare guidelines. Standby24 understood Maria’s need to be viewed as a person, not merely as a collection of problems or medical diagnoses. Following the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) principles, they handled every situation with sensitivity and morality, protecting Maria’s safety and dignity in the process. It was this balance of professionalism and heartfelt care that began to lay the foundations for Maria’s journey toward healing.
Trust: Built with Time and Care
Trust is not something that happens overnight. For someone like Maria, who had experienced so much adversity, building trust would take time, patience, and genuine connection. From the very beginning, Standby24’s Registered Manager took a hands-on role. On Maria’s first weekend with the team, the manager personally worked a shift to understand her unique needs and challenges. This wasn’t just a managerial duty; it was a powerful message to Maria—she was important, and her well-being mattered.
As the team spent more time with Maria, they began to discover the things that made her unique. She had a deep love for music and DJs, a fascination with wildlife, and a passion for outdoor adventures. These insights weren’t just observations; they became the building blocks for her care plan. By matching Maria with caregivers who shared or respected her interests, Standby24 created a space where she felt safe, understood, and valued. Each small connection built trust, and trust, in turn, gave Maria the confidence to open up and begin to engage with the world around her.
Reconnecting with Family
One of the team’s most important early priorities was helping Maria reconnect with her family. Relationships are central to emotional well-being, and for Maria, this connection was vital. The team worked tirelessly to arrange safe, planned visits with her loved ones. These reunions, though small at first, carried enormous weight. They were a reminder to Maria that she was not alone—that there were people who loved her and believed in her.
Over time, these moments of connection became a source of strength. With her family’s presence back in her life, Maria began to rebuild her sense of belonging. Each visit became a stepping stone, nurturing her emotional health and reinforcing the support network around her. Slowly but surely, Maria’s world began to feel less uncertain, less overwhelming.
Gaining Confidence
As Maria grew more stable, the team noticed remarkable progress. Where there was once a constant need for intensive support, Maria started showing signs of independence. Her care ratio, which began as 5:1, gradually shifted to 3:1. This wasn’t just a change in numbers; it reflected Maria’s growing ability to manage her day-to-day challenges.
These milestones were celebrated not just by the team but by Maria herself. The caregivers recognised that every small achievement was a victory—a testament to Maria’s strength and resilience. Whether it was completing daily tasks, managing her emotions, or expressing her thoughts, each step forward reinforced her belief in herself.
Rediscovering Joy
For too long, Maria’s life had been defined by instability and survival. But with the immediate crisis behind her, she was ready to explore what truly brought her happiness and fulfilment. Her care plan changed over time to incorporate activities that matched her interests, allowing her to rediscover who she was.
Maria’s passion for nature became a pillar of her recovery. The team introduced her to sports like dog walking, rock climbing, and go-karting, which helped her challenge herself, gain confidence, and re-establish a connection with nature. In addition to enjoying such journeys, these were life-changing experiences that allowed Maria to see her strength and potential.
Each new adventure was more than an activity; it was a triumph. Whether she was conquering a climbing wall or enjoying the simplicity of a walk with a dog, Maria was rediscovering joy. These moments reminded her that life wasn’t just about surviving—it could also be about thriving, exploring, and embracing the things that made her happy.
Dreams and Aspirations
With her confidence steadily growing, Maria began to dream about the future. She expressed a desire to return to school and pursue studies at Agricultural College. This goal became more than just an aspiration; it was a symbol of how far she had come. For someone who had once felt so lost, the idea of building a future rooted in her passion for wildlife and the outdoors was transformative.
Her caregivers rallied around her, providing the encouragement, resources, and guidance she needed to move closer to her dream. It wasn’t just about practical support; it was about showing Maria that they believed in her—that she was capable of achieving her goals and deserving of a life filled with purpose.
A New Beginning
Today, Maria is thriving. She is living in a permanent placement close to her family, surrounded by people who care for her and believe in her potential. The dark days of uncertainty and instability are behind her. In their place is a life filled with joy, hope, and possibility.
Her story is a powerful testament to what can be achieved with the proper support, compassion, and commitment. Standby24 didn’t just stabilise Maria; they gave her the tools to rebuild her life. They saw her not as a set of challenges but as a whole person—someone with dreams, passions, and a future worth fighting for.
The Power of Compassionate Care
Maria’s journey reminds us of something profound: care is about more than meeting basic needs. It is about connection, understanding, and trust. It is about accepting people for who they are and supporting them when they start over. Compassion and confidence in Maria’s abilities were the foundations of Standby24’s strategy. They did more than simply offer assistance; they created connections, acknowledged progress, and developed chances for happiness and improvement.
Conclusion
At Standby24, we believe that everyone deserves more than care—they deserve the chance to thrive. Maria’s story is proof that even in the most challenging circumstances, transformation is possible. With the right people, the proper support, and the right approach, hope can be restored, and a brighter future can be built. Maria’s journey highlights kindness, resiliency, and the strength of having confidence in someone’s abilities. Regardless of how depressing the present may appear, it serves as a reminder that there is always hope, love, and opportunity on the journey forward. Through that road, Maria found a life in which she was free to create stories, explore, and enjoy each moment. For Standby24, it serves as a reminder of their mission: to give everyone the opportunity to live a happy, purposeful life.