15th July 2026
When Dimensions first met Frank in 2009, he had experienced significant challenges throughout his life.
His childhood was marked by instability, trauma and disrupted relationships. Repeated placement breakdowns, difficult family experiences and exposure to negative influences had left Frank struggling to find security and consistency. He was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at the age of five and later with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Throughout his childhood and teenage years, Frank lived in a number of residential schools, foster placements and children’s homes. Many of these arrangements broke down, and he found it difficult to manage his emotions and build positive relationships with those around him.
As a teenager, Frank became involved in incidents that resulted in cautions for assault. He frequently struggled with anger and conflict, and some placements ended after serious incidents that caused concern for those supporting him.
By the time he was referred to Dimensions, Frank had experienced years of instability and was receiving a high level of support. The focus was not only on keeping him safe but also on helping him build the skills, confidence and resilience needed to create a more positive future.
Developing independence
Working alongside Frank, Dimensions took a person-centred approach that focused on his strengths, goals and aspirations.
Over time, support shifted towards helping Frank develop practical skills for independent living. He learned how to manage everyday responsibilities, including ordering medication, paying bills, arranging GP appointments and maintaining regular contact with professionals when support was needed.
As his confidence grew, Frank became increasingly involved in making decisions about his own life. He worked closely with his support team to identify negative influences and make positive changes that would help him achieve his goals.
A key part of this journey was building meaningful connections and finding activities that gave him purpose.
Finding purpose and confidence
One opportunity that proved particularly valuable was Fight Science, where Frank was able to exercise, learn martial arts and develop self-discipline.
The structure and focus provided by the programme helped him develop healthier coping strategies and improve his emotional regulation. The skills he learned extended far beyond physical activity, helping him build self-awareness, empathy and a stronger sense of identity.
Frank also began volunteering at a local gym four days a week, taking on responsibilities that included managerial tasks. This gave him a sense of achievement, routine and purpose, while helping him develop confidence in his abilities.
As his support network grew, Frank developed stronger relationships and a more positive outlook on the future.
In 2018, Frank became a parent. With support, he explored the resources and services available to him and focused on developing the knowledge and skills needed to be the best parent he could be.
A gradual reduction in support
When Frank first joined Dimensions, he received two-to-one support to reflect the level of assistance he required at the time.
As he developed safe coping strategies, improved his emotional regulation and demonstrated greater independence, his support was gradually reduced to reflect his changing needs.
The level of support moved from two-to-one support to one-to-one support, before reducing further to just nine hours each week with a consistent member of his team.
By October 2017, after careful planning and several review meetings, Frank’s formal support from Dimensions came to an end. He had developed the skills and confidence needed to live more independently while maintaining access to a wider network that included his Care Manager, Crisis Team and supportive relationships built through parenting and community groups.
Creating a different future
Frank’s journey demonstrates the impact that the right support, meaningful opportunities and strong relationships can have on a person’s life.
From a childhood marked by instability and repeated placement breakdowns, he developed the skills to manage his own responsibilities, build positive networks, contribute to his community and embrace the responsibilities of parenthood.
The reduction in support also reflected this progress. Frank’s initial support package was costed at £4,714.12 per week. By the time he moved on from Dimensions, this had reduced to £428.98 per week — a saving of £4,288.14 per week.
Most importantly, Frank gained something far more valuable: the confidence, independence and sense of purpose needed to build a life he could be proud of.