At Dignus Group, we believe that even when a situation feels close to breaking point, the right support, consistency and collaboration can lead to life-changing outcomes. This belief is powerfully reflected in the journey of ED at Colliers House – a journey that, within a year, moved from the possibility of hospital admission to a Christmas spent at home with family for the first time in six years.
The Challenge
A year earlier, ED’s placement was at risk. Concerns around absconding, increased behaviours of distress and deteriorating wellbeing had led to multiple professional meetings and discussions about hospital admission or moving him elsewhere. Family contact had broken down, and ED was no longer accessing the community with those closest to him.
It was a complex and emotionally charged situation – one that required courage, patience and a shared commitment to doing what was right for ED.
A Brave, Person-Centred Approach
Rather than stepping back, the team at Colliers House stepped forward.
Working closely with professionals and ED’s family, the team focused on rebuilding trust, increasing stability and reintroducing meaningful family connections – carefully, safely and at ED’s pace.
Family visits were gradually reintroduced, starting with supported outings alongside team members. As confidence grew on all sides, these visits progressed to independent time with family, slowly increasing in length and frequency. What began as short, supported outings evolved into full days out – and eventually, overnight stays.
Every step was carefully planned, reviewed and supported. On ED’s first overnight stay, senior management ensured additional reassurance by being on-call, reinforcing the message that ED, his family and team members were not navigating this alone.
A Life-Changing Outcome
In December, ED achieved something that once felt out of reach:
he returned home to his family from 22nd to 26th December, spending Christmas with his dad, brothers, sister-in-law and extended family.
It was ED’s first Christmas at home in six years.
The visit was overwhelmingly positive. ED enjoyed family time, celebrations and connection – and when he returned to Colliers House, he settled back into the home without any behaviours of concern. In fact, he re-engaged confidently in activities and social events, reinforcing the stability the team had worked so hard to build.
Sustained Progress and Looking Ahead
The progress hasn’t stopped.
ED now enjoys regular weekly family contact, including full days out every Sunday. Plans are underway to introduce monthly weekend stays, and for the first time, his family are actively involved in care reviews and planning meetings – a powerful step forward in long-term collaboration.
Alongside this, the team has continued to reflect, learn and adapt. Care plans were revisited, early signs of distress are now recognised quickly, potential triggers were thoughtfully reduced, and ED’s medication has been carefully reviewed and reduced with professional oversight.
The Impact Beyond One Person
This journey has had a wider impact across Colliers House.
The team describes a renewed confidence in what can be achieved through consistency, shared learning and working together. It reinforced a powerful truth: even in the hardest moments, positive outcomes are possible when everyone is aligned, reflective and committed.
Commissioners and professionals involved have recognised the transformation – highlighting the home as an example of how collaborative, person-centred support can turn a situation around.
Brave Decisions. Better Lives.
ED’s journey is a testament to what happens when we refuse to give up, take positive risks, and keep the person at the centre of every decision.
At Dignus Group, this is what Brave decisions. Better lives. looks like in practice.
