Resident at Aylesbury Home Wants to “Give Back” as She Embarks on New Chapter in Life

A resident at an Aylesbury home is set to embark on a new chapter in her life as she moves into her own accommodation but says her time with the home is not over.

Hollie Turner has been living at MHA Hillside for five years and will be moving into a two-bedroom flat later this month but wants to return as a volunteer and help to support others in their journey.

Due to a complication during childbirth, Hollie required support with everything from personal care to meal preparation and feeding.

She has improved immensely during her time at MHA Hillside, with the home encouraging her to eat and prepare food and drink by herself.

Hollie will be moving into a two-bedroom flat, where she will be able to have her nine-year-old son with her.

She said: “I want to give back and support others in the home, just like I have been supported since I moved in here.

“I am 29 years old, and it’s not often you have people my age living in care homes, but I can honestly say the home has helped me develop so much.

“I want to change the perception of people, especially younger people who sometimes have a wrong impression of what a care home is like.

“I will never forget my time here, and can’t wait to come back and help others, which is something I love doing.

“If it wasn’t for MHA Hillside, I don’t know where I would be and I am very thankful for the staff and everyone who has supported me during my time here.”

Grainne Wokes, home manager said: “I have seen Hollie’s journey from start to finish and I am immensely proud of how far she has come.

“Her confidence has improved, and she is very independent, to the point that she just grabs her purse and off she goes.

“She will still need her care package, and with the help of her family be able to look after her nine-year-old, which will be great for her.

“The door will always be open for Hollie, she has already expressed a desire to come back and offer her time in the form of a befriending service and help others on their journey.

“I am looking forward to her moving into her own flat, she is ready to go and we will always be proud of her.”