Steven’s Story

Life before Mercury College

Before Steven moved into one of our transitional services, he had attended a specialist school that supported students with learning disabilities and intensive specialist support needs. Once Steven reached 19, he moved on to a group adult residential home without education. After a difficult placement breakdown, Steven needed urgent support and a safe, stable environment.

We were asked at short notice to assess Steven and provide urgent assessment and support, should we be able to meet his needs. Twenty-four hours later, Steven had his own home with his own front door and was attending our college as part of our transitional service offering.

Outcomes set before coming to Mercury College

The Mercury College team worked closely with Steven to understand his aspirations and goals for his future. From this, his individual timetable was developed and his study programme was trialled over the first half term. This included working on the skills that Steven had identified as being important to him, in particular using public transport and engagement with the community. His timetable also included activities to increase his independence and retail skills. He also enjoyed tailored enrichment sessions, which gave him opportunities to try out lots of different leisure pursuits, with a focus on health and fitness.

Life now

Following his previous experiences, Steven felt that the only people who could keep him safe were the emergency services. The multidisciplinary team worked with the Police and the NHS crisis team to develop a plan where Steven would start to feel safe without reaching out to the emergency services persistently. Steven is now able to raise his concerns with the team who support him and has developed strong, trusting relationships.

Steven continues to attend college every day and has built positive connections with other students and colleagues. Steven has gone above and beyond in taking on additional responsibilities in college, including becoming a Makaton Champion, fire marshal and college tour guide when we have visitors. He has also been involved in setting up Christmas markets, including making the goods to sell as part of our Mercury Inc. business enterprise. Steven is now an integral part of our Café Juno catering and hospitality venture; his role includes developing menus alongside the other students, cooking, serving and taking orders. Steven also participates in the Mercury College Choir, practicing weekly for upcoming performances.

Steven’s confidence and interests now extend beyond the college day, with support to enjoy a wider range of evening and weekend activities, including going to nightclubs for the first time.

What’s next?

Steven has recently shared that he would like to have a job. He is currently in the early stages of starting a new work experience with Doncaster Rovers Football Club, to further support him in the area of job coaching and other employment skills.

The multidisciplinary team supporting Steven continue to promote activities outside of College and our transitional services, and have been encouraging Steven to join youth clubs, social clubs and other sporting activities. Steven continues to receive support from the multidisciplinary team around managing his emotions and being able to talk about them. Support around emotional wellbeing continues at a pace that is right for Steven.