When Michaela first arrived at Adamson House, she was stepping into the unknown. After a period of crisis and hospital care, the move to supported living felt uncertain – unfamiliar territory after a difficult chapter in her life.
But in the quiet routines of daily life, the steady presence of staff, and the chance to start again, Michaela began to find her footing. Adamson House, one of our enhanced 24/7 supported living services at Northern Healthcare, became more than just a roof over her head. It became a space to grow, to let go of old habits, and to start building something new.
Her dedication and progress didn’t go unnoticed. Michaela was recently nominated for the Rising Star award at our Northern Healthcare Awards, a recognition of the strength, effort, and determination she’s shown on her journey toward independence.
We sat down with Michaela to hear firsthand about her experience at Adamson House, not only to celebrate her ongoing journey, but also to offer insight for others who may be considering supported living. Her story is one of many that reflect the life-changing support we’re proud to provide at Northern Healthcare.
“Before coming here in 2022, I was at Trafford General Hospital because I was poorly. I had some mental health problems and experienced a relapse, so I was taken into hospital to get better.
They recommended I look into supported living because I was scared I wouldn’t have anywhere to live after leaving. That’s when they arranged for me to come and see Adamson House, where I met staff and the other people they support.
I had never lived in supported accommodation before, so I was very nervous, but I’m happy now that I’m here.”
“I’m very happy living here. The staff take care of me, and I can ask them questions or ask for help if I don’t understand something. They’re always there to support me.
I feel more settled now. I know there are people I can turn to if I have a problem. I feel safe knowing this is my home, and it feels like I’m part of a family. I’ve made lots of friends too.”
“I’ve achieved some really big goals since I moved here. I’ve given up drinking, drugs, and gambling (like buying scratch cards and playing bingo). My next goal is to give up smoking cigarettes, and I know the staff will support me with that when I’m ready, so I can do it properly and in my own time.
I’ve also been working on going out into the community on my own and managing my money. I feel confident asking for support when I need it.
I’ve built up my skills. I like cleaning the service, taking out the bins, and helping staff keep the house tidy. I always show people around when they visit the service.
I’ve also completed fire training, which included learning how to use extinguishers and putting out controlled fires outside.”
“I’m most proud of what I’ve given up, drugs, alcohol, and gambling. I did that on my own, and I know my family is proud of me. I’m proud of myself too.”
“The staff help me sort out my room, like organising my clothes and donating things to charity shops. They support me every day with my medication.
They also talk to me and explain things I might experience when I’m having a bad day, like around trigger dates or anniversaries.
We do cooking together, and sometimes me and the staff clean the kitchen. They’ve helped me stay well, and during times when I haven’t been doing so well, they’ve supported me to get back to being myself.”
“I love playing board games in the service. I like listening to music, watching TV, and chatting with staff and the people who live here.
I also enjoy going to charity shops to find little bargains—I love it!”
“Let the staff support you. Take the advice and support from your key workers. Don’t be nervous when moving into a new place, it takes time, but you will settle.
If you ever have any problems, the staff are there for you. I’d tell people who’ve had a hard past that it’s OK to feel upset and that everyone here at Adamson House looks out for each other.
Work with the staff to find things you enjoy doing. Keeping your mind busy and filling your day really helps you feel better.”
Michaela doesn’t talk about her progress in supported living at great length, but it’s all there in the details: the scratch cards she no longer buys, the days she manages her money, the trust she’s built with the people around her. Adamson House’s Team Leader, Laura Henderson, has been supporting Michaela for around three years now and says, “I have seen significant progress on her journey in the past 12 months. Michaela has been a great role model to her peers, and she has achieved goals she never thought she would. She always has a positive mindset and always encourages her peers to be the best they can be, which has a positive impact on the service. Michaela has expressed how proud she is of herself by reflecting on her history and still learning and growing from her past, which gives her the motivation to live a most fulfilled life. Michaela’s goal in the future is to continue to work on her independence and recovery and always take care of others including her peers and members of the community. We just wanted to say as a team how proud we are of Michaela and her journey so far, and it has been a pleasure being part of her journey.”
Christine Rogerson, CMHT lead at Trafford West, shared that recently, Michaela is the happiest and most content she has ever seen her. “Having known Michaela for many years, it is lovely to see how well she has settled into Adamson House since moving there 2 years ago. Michaela is clearly very happy at Adamson and benefits from the excellent care and support she receives from the staff who know her well.”
At Northern Healthcare, we don’t believe recovery has to look like a grand transformation. Sometimes, it’s quieter than that, steady, practical, and personal. With the right environment and our expert team who show up, every day, ready to listen and support, people like Michaela keep moving forward in ways that matter.
And she’s not done yet.
Click here to learn more about our referral process or contact referrals@northern healthcare to speak to a member of our team.
