How Carol used the Human Rights Act to live with independence

Carol Legge is proud of the terraced house where she lives.She is supported by professional carers who ensure she can manage as independently as possible within the community and with the least level of control or interference in what is, after all, her life.

But Carol, who is a service user with learning disabilities, sadly remembers this was not always the case. It’s a past she does not like to dwell on, but has come to understand there is a major difference in the way her needs are addressed now, as opposed to 10, 20 or more years ago.

“I feel much happier about my life. I’ve been living in this supported house now for three or four years. The carers who stay with me are great; they really help and take me out. I go horse riding once a week – Queenie is my favourite; I’ve loved horses since I was little and I’m really good with them.”

When she was an in-patient Carol says she would not have enjoyed such freedoms. Mersey Care’s learning disability service has been working closely with Carol and other agencies that support her to ensure a rights-based approach addresses her needs. This has given Carol the autonomy to live, with appropriate support, the way she chooses, which is her human right.

“Things are much better now. One of the big things I’m really pleased I can do myself is my medication. Years ago they’d never have let me do that and I’d always have staff watching me."

“I’m all right now, but I used to be bad tempered and run off and the police would bring me back. Staff didn’t understand how I felt and it made me so angry; I’d get so upset they’d have to restrain me so I didn’t hurt myself."