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Too Many to Count is the first study in the United Kingdom to explore the prevalence of brain injury in domestic abuse survivors accessing community-based services.
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Home / Thriving at Jane Percy House: Toni’s Story
When Toni arrived at Jane Percy House, our Cramlington service, she was nervous about moving into a care home. Now, her confidence has blossomed – and so has her social life!
Toni Ilderton has lived in Jane Percy House since 2008. “I came on respite and never left. I’m part of the furniture now – you’re not getting rid of me!”
She wasn’t always so attached to her home, though.
“When I moved in, I didn’t want to be in a care home – I was telling my social worker, ‘I don’t want to be in a care home’. But I’ve gotten used to it now! I go out and do things independently, but there’s support if you need it.”
At Brainkind, we know how important community, hobbies, and independence are to a full life. That’s why our teams make sure that the people we care for have the support they need to find new friends, maintain relationships, and do what they love. For Toni, that means one-to-one support to go out into her community.
“Lindsey, the Service Manager, facilitates things to make sure I’m getting my support. She makes sure it’s meaningful. I go painting, I play Boccia, I go to the spa – I’m badgering them every week!”
This confidence has been hard won, though. When Toni first arrived at Jane Percy House, she was much more hesitant about accessing the community.
“I wouldn’t even go across to the shop by myself at first! But this place is so good – there are buses, the cycle paths are great for wheelchairs, and I can get to the shops without having to cross the road.”
“I don’t think, if I lived anywhere else, I would have this confidence. I know if anything happens, I can ring Jane Percy House, and they’ll come rescue me – like if my wheelchair breaks down or I get lost.”
“You’ve got the independence if you want it. But, if you need help, they’ll do it or find ways around things for you.”
One of Toni’s favourite hobbies is Boccia; a precision ball sport designed for people with disabilities affecting motor skills. She goes every Monday night – either with one of our drivers or under her own steam.
“I did it at school years ago, then I found out that one of the residents at Jane Percy House owned a Boccia ball set. They were all up in the loft because nobody used them. But one of the handymen got them out for me and we started playing it here.”
After Toni started the club, one of Jane Percy House’s Activity Coordinators contacted disability sports charity SMILE Through Sport. They sent a coach to lead some sessions at Jane Percy House. Eventually, Toni’s childhood memory – with support from our team – resulted in a Boccia club at Cramlington leisure centre.
Recently, they had their annual Boccia Open competition.
“Everybody goes to the Boccia Open. It’s a really good day. My one-to-one support helps with that – if it wasn’t for my one-to-one, I couldn’t do that. I really enjoy meeting people and being a part of something.”
“I came fifth in my team. But next year, I’m going to come first! I want a medal, not just a rosette. I’ve bought my own balls and I’m excited to use them.”
Despite her tentative beginnings, Toni’s grown to see Jane Percy House as her home.
“It’s a lovely place to be – a lovely atmosphere. It’s basically a big family.”
We’re proud to support Toni to thrive in her community. At Brainkind, we’re dedicated to helping people with neurological conditions or brain injuries have a life well lived – no matter what that means to them.
If you’d like to find out more about our services, like Jane Percy House, click here.
If you’re interested in how you could help us support people like Toni, click here.
