Lots of people are aware that Natural Breaks supports people with learning disabilities – but we also support people with physical disabilities, mental health issues, autism and acquired brain injuries.

In May 2012 Louis had just completed his first year at University studying Chemical Engineering when a road traffic accident changed his life forever.  The health professionals prepared Louis’ partner Donnie , mum, dad and 2 sisters for the worse as they did not think Louis would survive the accident – it was dark times for Louis’ family and friends.  Louis proved the doctors wrong and began his journey to recovery.  

Louis  was in Rehabilitation for 2 years.  Louis had suffered head injuries leading to bleeds on his brain, hypersensitivity, a broken leg in the incident and post-traumatic amnesia but with the team at Mossley Hill reached a point where he was ready to come home.  Louis chose for support to be provided by Natural Breaks and met the team. 

Louis said “When I first came home I was a very different person to who I am now.  I was very angry and frustrated.  Even someone brushing past me would cause pain that I can’t describe, loud or unexpected noises were unbearable and I had really bad days.  Steve has been with me from day 1 and has been there through the very worst of times.  Steve is such a sound fellow and he supports me and encourages me.  He had the right personality to work with me at my very worst and at my best.  The physio can’t believe the progress I have made.  The staff helped me to do my exercises every day and walking. 

 This time last year it would take me an hour to get to the end of my road and back.  I can now walk one mile in just over 20 minutes with Steve – I never thought I’d be able to do that. I have been supported by Natural Breaks for 3 and a half years now.” 

“I went on a plane for the first time since I had my accident with Steve and my mum and we went to Northern Ireland to visit some of my friends.  We were all really nervous but it was fantastic and I walked on to the plane.  I couldn’t have done it without Steve and the other staff at Natural Breaks who have encouraged me to keep up with my exercises, keep on going when I didn’t think I could and who supported me in the best way to achieve as much as I have.” 

Steve said “I’ve supported Louis since the beginning and I feel privileged to be a part of the team that has helped Louis to transform his life.  Louis’ passion and determination to return to full health has been the driver to all the
milestones he has achieved.” 

Louis said “I am now preparing a dinner one night a week.  It takes time as I am paralysed down my left side but it is a great sense of achievement.  I have done things I didn’t think I’d be able to do – I went to the Liverpool International Music Festival last summer and Fusion – a long way away from when I couldn’t even bear loud noises! I go to college, I meet my friends in the pub, I go shopping – and the doctors didn’t think I would live!  My goals for 2018 are to complete a sponsored walk and my dream would be to no longer need to use my wheelchair.”