Ashley on life at Fethneys Residential Home: Great support and firm friendships

Ashley Andrews lives at Fethneys, a residential service in Worthing that supports up to 10 disabled adults.

I’m in my late thirties. I’ve lived here at Fethneys for several years. I’m a huge sport fan and a gamer, and I use a powerchair.  

Ashley a caucasian male with short dark hair and a beard wearing glasses and a beige top in front of a Christmas Tree
Fethneys resident Ashley Andrews

Staff know what matters to me 

One of the best things about Fethneys is the staff. They know my care routine well – they help me with personal care, stretches, medication, mealtimes – but it’s about so much more than these things. The staff know what matters to me, and they help me to do what I want to do.  

Support workers will update and consult my person-centred care plan (PCP). They’re really understanding, and crucial for my mental health.  

They’ll help me to visit family, which is really important to me. I go to see my dad in Bedford and my nan in London.  

Friendships 

One brilliant thing about Fethneys is my friend and fellow resident, Ryan Stray. He’s a young guy who’s lived here for a while, like me. We get on really well, sharing many of the same interests. We always have a good laugh, and we’ll happily take the mick out of our respective football teams. 

Sport: A massive part of life 

Watching live sport is a massive part of life for me and for Ryan. Whenever I travel to follow my teams, a support worker will be with me. It could be Franklins Gardens for some Prem rugby, supporting the mighty Northampton Saints. It could be a short trip to Worthing to cheer on the local sides. Or it could be the London Stadium to watch my beloved West Ham United FC.  
 
Other times people know I am happy in my room by myself, often watching a movie or playing on my PlayStation. I play a lot of FC26, the latest incarnation of the classic EA Sports football games (formerly known as FIFA). Here, no matter the result in the real world, I can mastermind a West Ham win. 

Keeping things rolling 

When I recently needed some help to get a new wheelchair, Fethneys staff were excellent again. After some unfortunate but unavoidable delays at the local NHS wheelchair service, my support workers helped me get everything sorted. My new chair is much better, and I’m very happy with it. I’m looking forward to my next trip out!