Making Memories

SO has been supported by Bluebird Care Cornwall North as she continues to live with a learning disability and mental health needs. Alongside these challenges, changes in her mobility have meant that activities she once enjoyed with her husband have gradually become more difficult. Her husband, who has cerebral palsy and uses a mobility scooter, would regularly accompany SO on walks, but over the past year SO has become increasingly unsteady on her feet. As a result, the couple no longer felt confident or safe going out together as they once had.

As part of our commitment to enriching the lives of the people we support, Bluebird Care runs a monthly Making Memories initiative, where one customer is selected to receive a £50 experience or gift of their choice. Whether it's a day out, a meal, a special purchase or another meaningful experience, the aim is to create lasting memories centred around what matters most to each individual.

When SO was selected as the winner, we met with her to explore how she would like to use her prize. We discussed a variety of possibilities, including going out for a meal with her husband, enjoying a day out, or treating herself to having her nails done. To remove any barriers, we reassured both SO and her husband that transport would be fully arranged by Bluebird Care, with a member of our team driving them wherever they wished to go.

Despite these reassurances, the couple remained anxious about travelling and repeatedly expressed concerns about arranging taxis. Although we explained several times that transport would be provided by us, it became clear that this message was not being fully understood. SO also asked whether the prize would allow them to visit Butlins independently with her husband, and although we shared her enthusiasm for the idea, we explained that the available budget would not stretch that far.

Recognising that the priority was ensuring SO felt comfortable and excited about her prize, we adapted our approach. Together, we agreed that instead of planning an outing, she would enjoy a carefully chosen collection of gifts that she could use and appreciate at home.

With SO's permission, we checked her clothing sizes before visiting local shops to make the most of the seasonal sales. We were able to purchase two jumpers, a pair of tracksuit bottoms, cosy slipper socks, a nail varnish organiser and four new nail varnishes, knowing how much SO enjoys having her nails done.

When the gifts were delivered, SO's reaction made every effort worthwhile. She became emotional and shed happy tears, telling us how grateful she was to receive such thoughtful presents. Her husband smiled and remarked that it felt like Christmas all over again before jokingly telling us his own clothing size in the hope that he might win the next Making Memories draw.