A New Home for Christmas - Morgan's Story

Moving into your first home is a rite of passage for us all as we reach adulthood – but it’s one that is not without its challenges and overwhelming moments.

Morgan Gunn, 22, has just taken up residence in her new home in supported accommodation within the new Council housing development at Carness in Kirkwall.

Morgan – who has additional support needs - has up until now been living with her grandparents, Colin and Wendy, in Rendall. Having moved into her home at Carness earlier this month, she’s thrilled about the additional independence her new home affords her.

“I was really excited to move into my new home, and I’m enjoying living here,” said Morgan.  “I’ve been with my Granny and Grandad since I was six.  I did have my own space there but now that I’m 22 it is time that I have a home of my own.”

Morgan – and the other three residents in the block – live independently but care workers are on hand within the same building to help out at a moments notice.  The new accommodation is the first of its kind in Orkney, providing specifically for adults with a range of additional needs.

Morgan explained; “When I was living in Rendall I had to get Granny to drive me into Kirkwall if I wanted to go to the shops, to the gym or the cinema – and now I can do all those things on my own if I want to by just walking into town. I just let the carers know where I’m going and they keep an eye out for me coming back.

“Granny and Grandad were always there to help me before and I feel safe knowing that someone is there if I need them.  Before I moved here I was at the Short Breaks service and before that I used to go to Aurrida House. I know the carers and I know they are there to help me.”

Currently volunteering at both CLAN and the Orkney Library and Archive, Morgan has had the help of family and friends in kitting out her house with everything she needs, including her crafting table – where she likes to make jewelry from paper beads and wool – and space for her huge collection of 100 Beanie Boos.

“I’m hoping to go to Edinburgh with Granny and Grandad soon and go to Ikea.  Granny wants to get me a new bathroom cabinet – Grandad is mainly looking forward to an Ikea lunch!”

And how are Granny and Grandad coping with the change?

“We were so happy to hear about the supported accommodation being built – and put in an application for Morgan as soon as we could,” said Wendy. It felt like a long time coming.

We couldn’t actually get in the house until we got the keys – but Morgan had us driving past the development constantly to see how things were coming along.

“It’s been a huge change. It’s not really any different from your child going off to college or university  - but given Morgan’s additional needs, I’m happier knowing that she’s got staff there next door if she needs someone – although she does still tend to phone us in the first instance!”

“People in Kirkwall already know Morgan well and look out for her.  The other week she’d gone to do a shop and realized at the till after her shopping had gone through that she’d left her bank card at home.  The shop was really busy, there was a queue building up behind her and she was understandably distressed.  She phoned me for help – but in the meantime someone from the queue recognized her and stepped forward to pay for her shopping. I tried later to ay this person back – but they were having none of it.

“I know between the wonderful staff within the accommodation itself and the caring nature of local people that Morgan is safe and well – and I can sleep soundly at night knowing that.”