When Lesley first arrived at Eltisley Manor, her environment reflected the challenges she was facing. Living with learning disabilities and bipolar disorder, she struggled to feel safe and settled in her surroundings. Her room was bare, with little more than a mattress, as she found it difficult to form a connection with her space or her belongings.

Recognising that her environment was both a reflection of and a contributor to her emotional wellbeing, the Eltisley Manor team began taking small, careful steps to build trust and understanding. Through consistent, compassionate support and meaningful relationships, they learned what was truly important to Lesley and how involving her in each decision could make a real difference.

Together, they started small: one item at a time, working with Lesley to create a space that felt like hers. Each step built confidence, both for Lesley and for the staff who were embracing positive risk-taking to help her grow.

What happened next was a genuine transformation, not just of a room, but of a person’s relationship with their world. Read the full case study to discover how person-centred care, teamwork and empathy reshaped Lesley’s life at Eltisley Manor in Cambridgeshire.