From Challenges to Confidence: Claire's Story
 
Claire’s Inspiring Journey to Confidence, Freedom, and a Life She Loves with Cartrefi
 

Meet Claire Dyer — a bright spark full of energy, curiosity, and charm. Described by those around her as happy, caring, friendly, and full of life, Claire is also wonderfully complex, and as she puts it, “You just need to meet me to understand me.”

Image (3)

Claire’s Challenge: Navigating a Complex World

Claire lives with autism, and while she sometimes displays very physical behaviours, she has always been clear about one thing: understanding her world is the key to supporting her. Her journey hasn’t been an easy one.

The Turning Point: 

Claire’s signs of autism first became noticeable during her difficult transition from primary to secondary school, a major life change that:

    • Led to referrals and assessments

    • Created a period of uncertainty and challenge for Claire and her support network

    • Despite early concerns, it wasn’t until 2019 that Claire received her official autism diagnosis

    • At just 15 years old, Claire experienced her first stay in a mental health hospital in Bristol — the first of several admissions in the years that followed

    • These hospital environments proved extremely difficult:

    • Busy, overstimulating settings

    • Loud, unpredictable noises

    • Unfamiliar staff and routines

      These factors often led to distressing behaviours that required:

    • Support from up to seven staff at a time

    • The use of restraints to manage intense responses

Claire’s Growth and Achievements

Image (1)

Claire reached a huge personal milestone:

She became confident enough to leave the house with staff, bringing reassurance to:

  • Herself
  • Her family
  • Her care team
Image (5)

With weekly plans designed by Claire herself, she began:

  • Choosing her own activities

  • Taking control of her routine and preferences

This led to remarkable personal development:

  • Increased independence

  • Boost in confidence

  • Greater openness to change and new experiences

Image (6)

Claire’s achievements weren’t just emotional — they were also physical and measurable:

  • Started her mornings with trampoline marathons

  • Walked miles each week as part of her routine

  • Took part in regular:

    • Aqua aerobics

    • Paddleboarding

    • Sea swimming

    • Gym classes

Image (8)

 

  • One of her proudest moments: Running a half marathon – a testament to her determination and growth

Thriving, Not Just Surviving

Claire’s journey with Cartrefi shows what’s possible when support is truly person-centred, consistent, and caring.

After four years with Cartrefi:

“I am thriving, living my best life with people who really want to work with me. I’m smashing my goals and having fun with staff who truly care.”

"With the right support, even things that feel impossible can become very possible over time. Even the word ‘impossible’ says it — I’m Possible."

Image (3)-1
Claire Dyer

Watch Claire's Journey

In March 2021, Claire’s social worker reached out to Cartrefi, marking the beginning of something truly transformative. The approach was gentle, structured, and built around trust. New staff were introduced to Claire over video calls before they ever met in person. They started small — playing games, cooking meals together — creating safe, fun moments that built a strong foundation.