Ordinary Living

Independent living with agency support is a service designed to empower people with disabilities to live autonomously within their communities. Agencies offer a range of assistance including housing, personal care, transportation, and advocacy, enabling individuals to achieve their personal goals and participate fully in society. This approach enhances independence, improves quality of life, reduces social isolation, and alleviates stress for those supported. Individuals interested in such services are encouraged to research options, consult with family and friends, and reach out to agencies to explore available support.

Ordinary Living Ltd exemplifies this model, focusing on adults with learning disabilities by providing tailored, person-centered care plans. Their mission emphasizes delivering quality, cost-effective services that adapt to each individual's needs, ensuring a safe, secure, and homely environment. The organization is committed to respecting the rights, opinions, and dignity of those they support, fostering an atmosphere where individuals can maintain and develop life skills to maximize their independence and happiness. The team prioritizes person-centered care, recognizing the unique needs of each individual and promoting respect for oneself, one’s home, and others.

The core values guiding Ordinary Living include privacy, dignity, independence, choice, rights, and personal fulfillment. Privacy ensures individuals can live without undue intrusion or isolation, while dignity involves recognizing each person’s intrinsic worth and treating them with respect. Independence and self-determination allow individuals to make decisions and take risks appropriate to their circumstances. Choice empowers them to select from various options, and rights uphold their entitlements as citizens. Fulfillment focuses on realizing personal aspirations and abilities in daily life. These values align with the Human Rights Act of 1998, reinforcing the legal framework supporting the organization’s ethos.

Founded in December 1995 by Stephen Turner, Ordinary Living was born from a vision to provide a group home environment with a comprehensive, person-centered approach. The organization acknowledges the uniqueness of every individual and their personal journey, aiming to support people regardless of their disabilities. The focus is on quality of life, achievable goals, social integration, and managing life’s complexities. Regular keyworker meetings, person-centered planning, and ongoing reviews ensure that services remain responsive to changing needs. The homes are designed to feel like ordinary residences without overt signage or commercial vehicles, reinforcing a sense of normalcy and community integration.

Stephen Turner, the Managing Director, has a diverse background that includes various roles in hospitality, retail, and healthcare before founding Ordinary Living. His leadership has expanded the organization to seven homes with a dedicated team of 63 professionals. His commitment to quality care and support remains central to the company’s mission.

Marie Turner, the Office Manager, has been with the organization for over 27 years, managing administrative duties such as paperwork, invoicing, and payroll. Her extensive experience supports the smooth operation of the organization’s workforce management.

Operations Manager Michaela Willis brings over a decade of experience, having progressed from support worker to senior roles and home manager. She is passionate about empowering individuals to lead active, fulfilling lives in comfortable, homely environments that respect personal choice and well-being.

Carl Jenkins, Registered Service Manager, has over ten years of experience in supported living. His career path includes roles as a support worker, house manager, and quality assurance officer. Carl is dedicated to ensuring high-quality care and support, with strengths in attention to detail and a caring approach. Outside work, he enjoys local music festivals, surfing, camping, and kayaking.

Ellen Hood joined in 2024 as Finance Manager, bringing extensive financial expertise from various sectors. She ensures that Ordinary Living’s services are financially sustainable and continue to deliver value to those supported.

General Manager Scott Tremayne began his career with Ordinary Living in 2007 as a caregiver. Over 16 years, he has advanced through training and qualifications to a managerial role, embodying the organization’s commitment to person-centered care. Scott regards Ordinary Living as an extended family, proud to contribute to its mission.

Together, the leadership and staff of Ordinary Living demonstrate a deep commitment to supporting individuals with learning disabilities to live independently, with dignity and respect, in environments that feel like home. Their person-centered approach, grounded in core values and legal rights, ensures that each person’s unique needs and aspirations are met, fostering a fulfilling and integrated life within the community.