A tale of triumph: how collaboration, compassion and perseverance led to new beginnings for Matthew

It’s a story of perseverance, compassion, and the power of partnership that has led to a heart-warming new beginning for 12-year-old Matthew from Lincolnshire. After a year of collaborative effort, assessments, and meticulous planning, Matthew finally found his home at Kisimul on August 30th, marking the start of a remarkable new chapter in his life.

Matthew’s journey has been one of courage and resilience. At just 16 months old, a serious illness left him with a hypoxic ischemic brain injury, resulting in epilepsy and neurodevelopmental challenges. But despite the hurdles he faced, Matthew’s spirit shone through. He loves the simple joys in life – being outdoors, dancing, singing, cuddles, CBeebies, arts & crafts, playdough, colouring, and baking. There’s so much more to this remarkable young boy!

This heart-warming tale wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible collaboration between Lincolnshire County Council and the team at Kisimul . After an extended transition period, Matthew has found his place in this loving home.

The journey was a partnership in every sense of the word, with both Lincolnshire and Apple Tree Bungalow sharing the responsibility and goals for Matthew’s well-being. They worked hand in hand, ensuring that Matthew has access to the services and support he needs within the county.

Even Ofsted, the regulatory body, recognized the significance of this collaboration. They praised the effort put into creating a bespoke service for Matthew and commended the dedication to providing him with the right environment.

At the heart of this journey has been two determined teams consisting of many departments and individuals. From the social workers and commissioning teams at Lincolnshire County Council, to the care, therapy and training teams at Kisimul. With collaboration, unwavering commitment and their support, they’ve made Matthew feel right at home.

As we celebrate Matthew’s remarkable journey, we’re reminded of the profound impact that our Meaningful Life model, partnerships, dedication, and support can have on a young person’s life. The future is bright for Matthew, and this heartwarming tale is a testament to the incredible things that can happen when we create stronger relationships between colleagues, and the people we support.

*Names and images have been changed to protect the anonymity of the individual placed in our care.