Ruby’s Journey: From Frustration to Fulfillment with C-Change 

For Debbie and Andrew, supporting their daughter Ruby through the transition into adult life was a journey filled with heartache, resilience and, ultimately, hope. 
 
Ruby thrived in her early education, but adulthood brought challenges. Despite their best efforts, Debbie and Andrew found themselves battling a system that failed to provide the support Ruby needed. “She was so neglected,” Debbie recalls. “Her mental health was declining, and we needed to get this right.” 
 
After a series of false starts with previous service providers, a chance encounter with a C-Change colleague became the turning point. Within days, Debbie was connected to someone who understood Ruby’s needs. “Everything moved very swiftly,” she says. “There were no lapses.” 
 
Andrew adds, “Staff came out to talk to us immediately. They explained what C-Change was all about, and it was impressive. We took a leap of faith—and I’m glad we did.” 
 
At the heart of Ruby’s transformation was her Planning Day—a structured, collaborative session where her future was mapped out with input from staff, management, and her family. “I’d been screaming out for this for years,” Andrew says. “I was gobsmacked. They were doing what they said they would do.” 
 
Today, Ruby is thriving. She’s more independent, confident, and socially active. With the support of her Personal Development Workers (PDWs), she’s taking bus trips, walking more, and preparing to start college. “She’s never walked so much in her life,” Debbie laughs. “Her PDWs know her well and adapt to her needs. They’re amazing.” 
 
Debbie and Andrew, who have guardianship of Ruby, emphasize the importance of structured support. “She needs direction,” Debbie explains. “If left to her own devices, she’d watch ‘Muppets from Space’ all day long. But now, she’s doing ‘Gym and Swim’, going out, and engaging with others.” 
 
Ruby’s story is a testament to what’s possible when empathy, planning, and commitment come together. “She’s always going to need support,” Andrew says, “but now it’s fulfilling. She’s learning, growing, and living her best life.” 
 
#BetterIsPossible