It is only a journey of 1.2 miles, but for Ben (on the left on this picture with Nick right), the Monday evening bus trip means far more than simply travelling from one house to another.

Each week, he catches the bus to visit friends at one of Lisieux Trust’s other houses, where they share tea together, catch up and spend time together before he returns home. What may seem like an ordinary routine reflects something much bigger — the confidence and independence Ben has developed since moving from residential care into supported living last year.

The move involved careful planning and support from staff, particularly around travel training. At first, staff accompanied Ben on the bus journey, helping him learn where to get on and off safely. As his confidence grew, staff then met him at the other end until he was ready to make the journey more independently.

Now, the Monday trips have become an important part of Ben’s week.

Ben visits friends Ben, Tom and Nick, who he has known for many years, and enjoys the chance to spend time with them.

“I like travelling there myself and having my tea with everyone. I’m a cook as well because I learned cooking at college,” he said.

For staff, seeing Ben build his confidence has been rewarding, particularly because they have supported him through different stages of his journey.

Jean, a Support Worker who has worked with Ben across both residential care and supported living, and who met him off the bus as part of the initial process, said the progress he has made has been fantastic to see.

“It’s been great to see the strides Ben has made,” she said. “He’s worked really hard to build his confidence and independence.”

Nick said the visits are something everyone looks forward to.

“I am happy to see my friend,” he said.

The weekly tea visits may seem simple on the surface, but they reflect something at the heart of person-centred support — helping people build the confidence, skills and independence to live life in the way that works best for them.

For Ben, Monday evenings are now about friendship, routine and enjoying time with people who matter to him — on his own terms.