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David's story
David's story
“The best thing about living here is my freedom……”
David is 63 years old and lives in a in a supported living scheme for people with learning disabilities.
“My mum put me away in a hospital in Broadstairs when I was 5 years old. I lived there until I was 11."
“After that I lived in Banstead Hospital for 30 years. Anyone who misbehaved got their clothes taken away or injected to make them sleep. I used to run away from there in my pyjamas and get picked up by the police who gave me a cup of tea before taking me back. Then I lived for 12 years in Chamberlain Way. Now I live here in my own flat."
Going out and being free
“Support workers come in every day to cook a meal for me. I can do cereals and toast but that’s all. They help me keep my flat clean and tidy too. I’ve also got live-in carers upstairs in case I need help with anything."
“I go out to see friends and I like to go to the pub to play pool, darts, cards. I go to Croydon to watch the wrestling sometimes and I like to see shows and go to the theatre. I’m a Chelsea fan so I go and see them play when I can and I go and see Kingston play sometimes too."
“I’ve won trophies for playing table tennis. I like watching films. I’ve got over 300 videos."
“The best thing about living here in my flat is my freedom – I go to bed when I like, see who I want to see and do things that I enjoy. I couldn’t do that before."
“I go to the SHOUT café (self-advocacy group) on Friday afternoons and I’m on the Boogey nights disco committee.”
The future
“One day I’d like to go and live near my family. I’ve got two sisters - one lives in Eastbourne and the other in Grays, Essex. I’ve got a nephew too. It would be nice to be near them.”