Lucy was 15 years old when she arrived at our Peak View assessment home, already carrying the weight of significant trauma. Throughout her early childhood, she endured neglect, sexual abuse, and the effects of parental substance misuse.

She no longer had any contact with her birth family, as visits often triggered intense emotional distress and episodes of self-harm. These early experiences left a lasting impact not only on Lucy’s emotional wellbeing but also on her physical and developmental health.

She faced several challenges, including maintaining personal hygiene, coping with mobility difficulties, and needing speech and language support. Although an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) application had been initiated before her arrival, it remained incomplete.

Lucy’s life had also been marked by instability. Since the age of six, she had been moved between multiple foster and care placements, never staying long enough to find the security and consistency she needed.

A difficult start

Lucy’s first few weeks at Peak View were far from easy. She found it difficult to adjust to the rural setting and resisted routines, pushing back against boundaries and expectations. She was often verbally aggressive and expressed her distress through challenging behaviour.

To help Lucy settle, the team at Peak View took a sensitive, trauma-informed approach, using the PACE model (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) to gently explore the emotions behind Lucy’s actions.

With time, patience, and consistency, Lucy began to build trust in those around her. The team established structured, predictable routines, helping her feel safe and supported.

She began to enjoy regular, nutritious meals and take part in meaningful activities like horse riding, which gave her a sense of freedom and connection. While educational support through the AQA programme also offered her a chance to re-engage with learning at her own pace.

The big move

Lucy’s positive response made it possible for her to move on from the assessment home to a more permanent Esland placement. Her transition was thoughtfully planned and carefully paced to ensure a sense of continuity.

In the lead-up to the move, Lucy’s new home team visited her regularly, gradually building trust and familiarity. They brought photos of her future home and took the time to get to know her. The transition included lunches, overnight stays, and regular contact. Each step was designed to ease any anxiety and help Lucy feel more secure about the change.

Once settled in her new home, the team continued to support Lucy through the next stage of her journey. They introduced tailored routines that matched her developmental stage, not just her chronological age. This helped her establish healthier sleep patterns and personal care habits. Her immunisations were brought up to date and she was reintroduced to education following the finalisation of her EHCP.

As her confidence grew, Lucy began to take real pride in her appearance, even saving up her own money to have her hair treated and dyed.

With a foundation of predictability, inclusion, and consistent encouragement, Lucy made remarkable progress. From catching up educationally to developing emotional regulation skills, she slowly but surely began to thrive.

Making progress

Since we first met Lucy, her transformation has been nothing short of inspiring. She now attends school three days a week, alongside one-to-one tutoring that’s tailored to her needs.

Where she once struggled with hygiene and routine, Lucy now showers daily, manages her own laundry, and keeps her bedroom spotless. She’s currently working through her Bronze Independence Plan developed by Esland and implemented in our homes to support young people developing independence. Lucy is learning practical life skills such as how to use a fuse box and who to contact for household maintenance.

Lucy has formed deep, trusting relationships with her home team, often referring to them as her “second family.” In her free time, she volunteers at a local dog kennel, where she’s developed a strong bond with the animals, so much so that she spends her earnings on small treats for them.

A bright future ahead

Lucy is now a motivated and ambitious young woman with a clear vision for her future. She has applied to two colleges and hopes to begin a hair and beauty course in September 2026, alongside completing her English and Maths GCSEs.

As she continues to grow, we’ll be right beside her, supporting her as she prepares to transition into fully independent living. With her determination and the right support, Lucy’s future is full of promise.

“Lucy is absolutely fantastic! Her journey has been a pleasure to support, and it’s been great to see her growth, both educationally and individually, especially in her self-esteem and the meaningful conversations she now has with our whole team.”

Quote from Lucy’s Registered Manager

 

*We have changed the name to protect the young person’s identity.