Sadly, this summer, the staff and clients of Chatterton Hey – our complex-needs care service in south Lancashire – said a final goodbye to their longest-standing client: JT.
JT was well known and loved by many across Langley having moved between a few services before settling at Chatterton Hey. His story is an example of the real, personal impact that the work of our staff has on the lives of those we support.
Challenging Beginnings
Like many of our clients there was sadness and challenge in JT’s early years. Growing up in Cumbria, his dad – a coal miner – was left to care for him and his two siblings after their mum passed away when JT was just 8 years old. Due to poor health he and his brother both ended up in the care of the local authority.
Much of JT’s adult years were then spent in secure environments. He experienced challenges with alcohol as well as encounters with law enforcement. Described by his nephew as ‘a wee rascal’ every copper in Cumbria knew who he was. But despite his rascal ways he was kind… he would give you his last penny if you needed it – even if it was one he’d just begged for himself.
A New Beginning
By the time JT was referred to Langley, by his social worker in 2005, all other accommodation options had been exhausted. The referral was taken by Chris Metcalfe, now our Director of Operations, who has had an enduring relationship with JT over the last 20 years. First moving in to Box Tree Cottage JT then spent some time at Longcroft, when his greater level of support-needs became apparent, before ending up at Chatterton Hey.
Being the first client and also the longest serving person at Chatterton – amongst both clients and staff – Dave, the current manager, comments that JT saw himself as the ‘unofficial gaffer’. His 14 years at Chatterton Hey were filled with many memories. He was well-known locally as he would chat to passers-by as they walked down the lane. This helped to cement a good relationship between the service and the local community.
Persevering Care
One of Chris’ key reflections across all three services JT lived – or four if you count Ashdene where he went on holiday – is that staff persevered. This persevering and patient love, combined with quality care and support, was both saving and changing his life at the same time.
Whilst at Chatterton Hey reoffending was never really an issue, and as time wore on his drinking and related behaviour effectively stopped. More recently JT was a welcome presence at the pensioners group in the local parish church, and was even responsible for introducing Jackie the current chaplain to Chatterton Hey after inviting her to one of his well-loved parties.
JT will be missed by both his family and friends, and his Chatterton family alike. We are grateful to God for his life, for the positive influence that Chatterton had and the impact he had on many at Langley.
He will be long-remembered for his mischievous and kind character, his love of Elvis and Eddie Stobart truck spotting, and – like royalty – for his two parties each year, one for his birthday and one for the anniversary of his arrival at Chatterton Hey!
Breakout Autumn/Winter 2025
Read this article and more in the latest edition of Breakout.
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