At Liaise, we know that sometimes, the most meaningful moments come from the simplest of wishes. For Paul, who lives at Ashwood House, that wish was to ride the Poppy Line, a steam railway that runs between Holt and Sheringham in Norfolk.

Paul had mentioned to his keyworker, Catherine, how much he’d love to go on the Poppy Line one day. So with her help, the team got to work, organising a return trip and making sure there was an accessible carriage so he could enjoy it in comfort. And the day didn’t disappoint.

From the moment he stepped onto the train, Paul couldn’t stop smiling. He loved the sounds, the rhythm of the engine, and the whole experience. Midway through the journey, he stopped off at a café, had a warm latte, and shared a few laughs with Catherine. The excitement didn’t fade once they got back home. He spent the rest of the day grinning and calling out “Choo choo!” every so often, just reliving it all. But it was what happened the next day that turned this lovely day out into something special.

Paul had a video call with his sister, who was keen to hear all about his train adventure. While they were chatting, Paul became a little emotional. His sister gently told us something we didn’t know. Decades ago, they used to ride steam trains with their dad – the Poppy Line had brought all those memories rushing back. Paul told the team he was feeling a bit emotional as the ride and the call reminded him of the happy memories. What started as a simple wish had turned into a deeply personal journey, one that reconnected him with a part of his past that meant the world to him.

For the team at Ashwood House and Liaise as a whole, these moments remind us what person-centred care is really about: listening, acting with heart, and just being there when it matters most.

A big thank you to Paul for letting us share this story, and to Regina, Ashwood House’s manager, for helping to make it all happen.