The day out LH saved up for

Most good days out start with a plan. LH started with a one-to-one session, a notepad, and a decision.

Sitting down with her support worker at Spark Terrace, LH said what she wanted a proper day out. A train somewhere out of Stoke-on-Trent, shopping while she was there, and bowling to finish; Manchester was the place. Not a trip organised for her, but one she chose, funded from the money she had saved and saw through herself.

Saving up, week by week

LH worked out that the day would cost roughly £400 and set about saving £50 a week until she'd put the full amount aside. That meant making choices in the weeks in between and sticking with a plan long after the novelty of making it had worn off. The team supported her to keep track of it, but the commitment was hers.

Getting to Manchester Piccadilly took preparation, practice runs, learning to read the departure boards, keeping a bag and phone safe in a crowd, and knowing what to do if a platform changes at the last minute.

On that day, LH chose her best outfit herself, was ready for the day, and led it. A support worker travelled with her, but the route, the timings and the decisions were hers

Shopping

Then the part she'd been looking forward to. A busy shop floor used to be a genuine barrier for LH; the crowds, the queue, the card machine at the end of it. On this trip she managed all of it, kept an eye on her budget, and paid at the till herself.

Bowling

The day finished at the bowling alley: flashing lights, music turned up, strangers standing close, and your turn coming round whether you feel ready or not. Being comfortable in a place like that is an achievement on its own. LH spent the evening taking turns, arguing over the scoreboard, and giving the staff team grief for losing.