Phil's Life Sum

Phil lives at Shaftesbury Brookside in Edgware, London. He shares what makes up his Life Sum. 

"What makes me happy is community. Living at Shaftesbury Brookside feels like family to me. Having so many people in one building, you get to know them and understand them. There’s always someone to go to with a problem and talk. It puts everything into perspective and makes you feel wanted. 
I love music and have over 500 CDs. I like a bit of rock ‘n’ roll, jazz or soul – something calm or happy, depending on my mood. 

I used to do art years ago, drawing is my best art. You really have to concentrate. The Royal Academy project here at Brookside made me feel relaxed, and happy to be doing art again. And I love a movie night – my favourites are Lilo and Stitch and How to Train your Dragon. 

I like getting out – going shopping and especially celebrations for birthdays and anniversaries. Me and my partner, who also lives here, went out for a meal in Edgware for my birthday. "

Catherine's Life Sum

Catherine lives at Shaftesbury John Grooms Court in Norwich, Norfolk. She shares what makes up her Life Sum:

“What adds up for me is being able to enjoy my interests – going to live music or going to see animals. I also like  snooker and have been twice, but I'd really like to go back to London to see it live again. I find music relaxing, especially Daniel O'Donnell.  His music is so calm. When I was younger, I had a cassette and Daniel happened to be on it but I liked him straight away – there’s something special about him. I've liked him since I was 13 and I'm now 40!  

I really enjoy being a voice for disabled people, not only for myself, but for others too, and I really like feeling empowered to a make a difference. The main issue is finding out what is around for people with different disabilities – what services are there?  

Transport is a barrier to being able to access something you enjoy doing. It makes you feel strange when you can't do something you really love, and you feel isolated.  It physically and emotionally affects you if you can’t do something you really like. If people can go out and about and do more, it would make a big difference. ”


Tina's Life Sum

This is how life adds up for Tina, who lives at Shaftesbury Bradbury Court in Harrow:  

“I am very good at expressing myself and knowing what I want. I need to feel safe, well cared for, not alone. I’ve been here two years and don’t ever want to leave.  

I was born prematurely by two months. I’ve got Cerebral Palsy, but I was mobile until I was 24. Then I went into a wheelchair. When I was born the doctors gave me six months. I’m 72 now!
 
What do I like? I like cooking, knitting, watching TV, eating out. Fish and chips is my favourite. I love the theatre, restaurants, getting out. I DO NOT like avocadoes or marmalade, or stairs.
  
I went away to school at 12. It was my choice – I’m very independent. I didn’t want to go into a home, but it’s the best thing for me. I would get lonely otherwise.  I feel safe living here.
  
You can’t fault this place. The staff are lovely and they’re really kind to me. I have friends here. Who wants to feel alone at my age?
  
I’ve done everything I wanted to do. If my day comes tomorrow then I’ve been very, very lucky. I’m just really happy here. This is my home now.”