‘Like a recluse’ was the description of Elliott* when he first arrived at Wood Grove, where the staff team now happily call him a “social butterfly”.

He spent the majority of his time in his room, occasionally walking to the shop to get a drink, but ultimately wanted to spend most of his time, in his room, playing games online.

But thanks to a long-standing and stable placement, positive relationship building with the staff team and his peers and educational success all impacting his confidence, Elliott is certainly no longer a ‘recluse’!

After gaining GCSEs, Elliott is now at a mainstream college undertaking a creative course which really plays to his IT and computer-literacy strengths and interests. This transition to college was carefully supported by the team at Wood Grove who made sure Elliott visited his new college and surrounding areas so he would be confident to travel and attend his course.

He is attending college well without support and importantly, he’s also embracing the ‘social’ scene. Elliott has many, many friends from college and chooses to finish his college day and go straight into ‘free time’ to spend that time with his friends.

He’s also travelling independently to and from college on the train and learning to cook new recipes, budget and gain other daily living skills. He’s also in regular contact with his family.

Elliott will remain at Wood Grove until he is 18, giving him the best opportunities to keep thriving and doing well in the confidence he is in a stable placement where he feels safe, secure and happy.

Find out more about our children's homes.