John Enjoys a Holiday Break at the Kingwood Caravan
20 July 2026
When Laura was 22 years of age, Kingwood was invited to support Laura at her family home, providing outreach support to help her develop confidence, learn skills and access the community.
Laura embraced this support, and the range of activities and skills he has pursued is impressive! Taking advantage of Kingwood initiatives, Laura has:
This year Laura won an ‘Above and Beyond’ award at our Annual Celebration, for her fundraising support. We asked Laura how she felt she had changed in the last ten years. She says: ‘In confidence and independence through Rachel and all the staff.’
Rachel has been her key support worker for the last four years and has helped Laura to thrive in her community. Laura has volunteered in several charity shops and is confident at operating the till.
But the biggest success story is that Laura is now living independently in her own home – and we couldn’t be happier for her. Ideally situated behind her parents’ home, Laura and her parents have created a path between the two houses, although Laura says: ‘I like my own space!’
Laura loves her increased independence with the support of Rachel, who this week also leaves Kingwood, to become Laura’s PA. This new model reflects Laura’s transition and success, which Laura’s mum Alison, says is largely down to Kingwood. She says: ‘Kingwood and Laura’s support have been marvellous. Without Kingwood, we wouldn’t be where we are now, with Laura starting her exciting new adventure.’
Although Rachel is leaving Kingwood, the nature of her work won’t change much. ‘It will feel weird leaving Kingwood, but this is a job which I’ve already been doing but with more consistency for Laura. I’ve enjoyed Kingwood but at this point, it’s what best for Laura’
‘Laura’s confidence is boosted, she’s more willing to try new things and pushes herself more. We’ve got her gardening – Laura would never get her hands dirty before, she’s definitely more bonkers – that’s my influence! But living in her own place is a massive achievement and Laura has settled so well.’
When asked how they see Laura’s life in 5 years’ time, Laura and Rachel agree: ‘Happy’.
Everyone at Kingwood wishes Laura and Rachel every success in their new chapter!
We provide supported living and outreach support, helping and enabling autistic people to live in their own homes and make their own choices about the lives they want to lead.
Our relationship with the families of those we support is incredibly important to us and we work in partnership with families wherever possible.
All Autism at Kingwood support staff receive our Specialist Autism Training, making us leading care providers in Autism support.
If you’d like to make a donation directly to us then you can do this in a number of ways.
You can fundraise for us, through sponsored events or in a number of other ways.