Mum 'proud' of disabled daughter's independence

Trudie said it was a relief to see her daughter getting on so well in supported living accommodation

The mother of a 22-year-old with multiple needs said she never thought her daughter would one day be able to have her own flat.

Trudie's daughter Nikita lives at Oakfield Community, a supported living service near Northampton.

The group has two accommodation sites and run sessions including animal care and cooking with fresh produce.

She said: "Nikita has multiple needs, both physical and her mental capacity is virtually non-existent... she has her own flat - something that we didn't think we would see for her."

Oakfield Community was founded in 1981 and looks to support people in their own homes, as opposed to being cared for in a group setting.

The charity run sessions including Care Farm and Seed-To-Plate

Clive Reeder, a trustee, said residents had "become part of the community", with some living at the charity's sites since they began.

"This is what we try and do - they go to the pub, they walk round the village, we have a pop-up shop which opens on a Friday," he said.

Trudie said Nikita had been able to come out of her shell.

"She has realised she can make choices, and that's one of the biggest things about the way that she lives here - independently, with support.

"She has definitely developed since she's been here, it's amazing.

"Obviously worrying about Nikita's future has been a major part of [my] life, but we know that she is going to be fine. It's a really good feeling."