in control first phase report 2003-2005

23With the encouragement of his supportstaff, he enjoys getting more involvedin what he does. Whether it’s kneadingthe dough when making scones, orrolling the ball when bowling, it’s clearto see that, in a way previously not possible,Alan is now getting stuck into hisactivities.‘It’s because of this increased confidence,’Mrs James says, ‘that I’ve begunto think about the possibility of a holidayfor Alan, where he would be supportedby his carers. I think in Controlcould give him the freedom to have aholiday doing everything he likes.’For the moment, Alan uses some ofhis income for a monthly treat. Lastmonth it was a trip on the North YorkshireSteam Railway. Mrs James wasable to cover all the expenses of petrol,lunch, tickets and staff from his income.‘The great thing is,’ she says, ‘that aslong as it’s clearly accounted for, wecan use the money for Alan on whateverhe likes.’Now, a year into their involvement withthe in Control project, the whole Jamesfamily love having him around. Sundaysoften include a family outing to alake near their home where they hirerowing boats. Prior to in Control, Alanwould have been going on outings likethis on his own.Alan James has a new lease of life. Thefreedom and flexibility the in Controlproject has given him means that heand his family may not think about himmoving for the next ten years. MrsJames’s view of that move is also verydifferent. ‘In the past, my fear was thatAlan would have to go into residentialcare,’ she says. ‘Now, my dream is that,supported by the carers of his choice,he might have his own home.’Endnotes1 Keys to Citizenship, Simon Duffy, Paradigm, 2003. A new Operating System