Now in their fifties, Solomon and Billy lived together in Bath for many years. When their d/Deaf specialist home became part of Achieve together, Billy was able to move to another Achieve together supported living home closer to his family in Hampshire. His family had heard of Achieve together and very much wanted Billy to be near to them so that they could see more of him.
Both friends had since expressed a wish to live near one another again. It became possible a few weeks ago.
Settling in quickly
There were such happy smiles and hugs when Solomon arrived in Lymington to move into a vacant room not just near to Billy but in the same supported living accommodation. They are thrilled to be together again and Solomon has settled in very quickly, joining in with everything that’s going on.
In the words of Registered Domiciliary Manager, Boo, ‘It’s as though he’s always been here.’ Solomon is a keen artist and has already drawn pictures of his new Support team members and housemates – in the style of his favourite superhero Ironman.
And then there were three
The heartwarming story doesn’t end there. Another friend of Billy’s and Solomon’s, Lise – who they lived with 20 years ago – now lives in another of our supported living homes nearby. Lise was aware that Solomon was moving in but thought he might not remember her. How wrong she was! When they saw one another, the embrace was so emotional to see – they remembered each other with no question.
Lise had a photo of the three of them unwrapping Christmas presents, taken around 20 years ago – they’ve recreated the photo in the present day!
Solomon’s mother has visited her son at his new home and is delighted to see how happy he is. She told us that she has known Billy since he was six years old. Both men, who are Deaf with learning disabilities and autistic, attended residential schools for the deaf as children.
Boo said: “Making things happen is part of our mission. Having fun while we do it is down to our approach. The incentive is the satisfaction from seeing it all unfold before us.”
