Darren's story; Involving and empowering people so they can become active citizens in their local communities
Darren found empowerment and his place in his local community through a Deprivation of Liberty safeguard.
Darren, who had moderate learning difficulties, lived in Kettering with his family. He was very close to his mum, Doris. However, it was found that his brother was physically, emotionally and financially abusing him and Darren had no support in this situation.
The was the point at which POhWER advocate, Sophie, got involved was when eventually the decision was made to remove Darren to a place of safety and he was taken to a residential care facility in Letchworth; his family were not told where he had gone to keep him safe from his brother.
Although it was a relief for Darren to get away from his brother and his condition improved rapidly – he was making friends and acquiring new skills - he missed the rest of his family, particularly his mum, Doris.
Sophie worked with Darren to explore his needs and wishes and, based on his improvement, requested a review of his condition. As a result of this Darren and his mum began to meet regularly, Doris travelling from Kettering to meet Darren in a safe place well away from his new home.
The change in Darren’s life has been dramatic and he says he has never been happier than he is in his new home with regular visits from his mum.
