Bridging Back Independence: Emma’s Transition to Community Life

Highlights

Transitioned from tube-feeding in a secure unit to enjoying meals and community outings
Significant reduction in self-harm and distressing behaviours
Built a trusting, co-produced relationship with her support team
Achieved greater independence and well-being through personalised, holistic support

Strategies Used

Intensive trust-building through regular visits and humanised care
Co-production of care plan, shaped by Emma’s voice and family feedback
Holistic, multidisciplinary input including PBS specialists and CPNs
Structured exposure to community life through positive, strength-based experiences
Video reassurance tools and ongoing communication to reduce anxiety

Outcomes

Overcame reliance on tube-feeding and began eating independently
Reintegrated into the community through concerts, meals out, and social activities
Experienced fewer incidents and built deep bonds with her support team
Positive family feedback and sustained well-being in a home environment

Emma’s journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with the proper support. After a challenging period in hospital, she began to rebuild her life through consistent, person-centred care and a team that truly listened. By working together and focusing on what mattered most, Emma gained the confidence to face challenges and explore new experiences.

Now, she’s enjoying everyday moments – sharing meals, attending concerts, and building meaningful connections that have brought joy, purpose, and a renewed sense of belonging.

The Story

Emma is a vibrant young person whose journey speaks to the power of trust, tailored support, and person-centred care. When the Nurseline Healthcare team first met Emma, she was in a secure hospital unit and in the midst of a profoundly vulnerable period. Isolated from the community and experiencing a critical stage of an eating disorder, which required Emma to consume food through a tube, she had few opportunities to connect with the world around her.

The secure setting, while necessary at the time, further limited her access to the social and emotional support she needed to move forward. Emma’s situation was immensely challenging, but so was her strength.

And that strength became the foundation of everything that followed.

The Approach

From the very beginning, our Community Transition Services (CTS) team worked to build a relationship grounded in co-production and respect. Emma was open and honest about what she needed from the team, a level of clarity and courage that helped shape her personalised care plan.

Listening to Emma’s needs wasn’t a one-off conversation but an ongoing dialogue. With regular visits, in-depth discussions, and constant coordination with support workers, the team adapted the plan in real-time, ensuring it evolved as Emma did.

Trust was built slowly and intentionally. The team made time for Emma, not just to deliver care, but to understand her. Supported by clinicians, care coordinators, and therapeutic professionals, the CTS team wrapped around Emma with the kind of consistency and compassion that allowed her to grow, safely and steadily.

Positive Outcomes

Emma’s transition back into the community marked a powerful shift in her life.

One of her most significant milestones was overcoming the challenges related to her eating disorder. From relying entirely on tube-feeding, Emma eventually joined her support team for a celebratory three-course meal at Nando’s — a symbolic and joyful moment that spoke volumes about her progress.

With time, Emma began re-engaging with the world around her. She attended a concert, shared laughs with support workers, and slowly rebuilt the sense of connection that had once felt out of reach. Additionally, challenges related to self-harming significantly decreased, and she formed close, trusting relationships with those around her.

Emma’s support workers weren’t just carers — they became her extended family. Together, they co-created a new chapter, full of confidence, social connection, and everyday joys.

Empowering Futures

Emma’s journey is a reminder that with the proper support, rooted in trust, consistency, and compassion, life can change in extraordinary ways. Her transformation wasn’t linear or straightforward, but it was possible because her voice was heard, her needs were honoured, and her strengths were at the centre of her care.

Through Community Transition Services, Emma didn’t just leave hospital care — she reconnected with life, on her own terms.

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