Celebrating Owen’s Birthday – A day designed just for him

At our home, we believe every person we support deserves to feel celebrated, included, and truly valued—especially on their birthday. This year, we had the joy of celebrating a very special day for Owen, who has been part of our community for over 30 years. Everyone was excited to make sure his birthday was one to remember.

Owen has always had two great loves: animals and hospitals. His key worker, Amy, wanted to create a birthday experience that reflected his unique interests and brought him genuine joy. Thanks to Amy’s creativity and care, Owen enjoyed a thoughtful, fun-filled day built entirely around the things he loves most.

To begin the celebrations, Amy organised a trip to Cotswold Wildlife Park, knowing Owen would be thrilled to see the animals up close. With Owen’s mobility having declined in recent years, Amy carefully planned ahead to ensure accessibility and comfort, making sure there would be no barriers to Owen’s enjoyment. With the support of a wheelchair, Owen had a fantastic time exploring the park—he was captivated by the animals, smiling and engaging throughout the visit.

But the day didn’t end there. Amy also knew how much Owen enjoys hospitals—not for their clinical setting, but because of his personal fascination with the environment and the people who work there. She arranged for a stop at Swindon Hospital, where they enjoyed lunch in the café— he was overjoyed to be surrounded by hospital staff, many of which came over to shake his hand and say hello.

This birthday wasn’t just a day out—it was a perfect example of person-centred support in action. Amy’s attention to detail, compassion, and willingness to go the extra mile made Owen’s birthday truly unforgettable. It was a day filled with smiles, laughter, and meaningful connections—one that celebrated inclusion, joy, and everything that makes Owen who he is.

Owen had the best birthday and we couldn’t be happier. On the way home, Amy asked Owen if he enjoyed his birthday - his reply was “we going to Swindon in my wheelchair”, and he’s said the same every day this week since. 

We’re proud of our incredible team who go above and beyond to make every moment count, and to ensure that the people we support feel seen, valued, and celebrated every day.