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 running between Holt and Sheringham in Norfolk.

A Dream Journey Begins

Paul had mentioned to his keyworker, Catherine, how much he’d love to go on the Poppy Line one day. So the team began planning a memorable day out with Liaise by organising a return trip and making sure there was an accessible carriage so he could enjoy it in comfort.

From the moment Paul stepped onto the train, he couldn’t stop smiling. He loved the sounds, the rhythm of the engine, and being part of the whole experience. Midway through the journey, they stopped at a café where Paul enjoyed a warm latte and shared a few laughs with Catherine before continuing the adventure.

More Than Just a Trip

What made the day truly special wasn’t just the train ride. The next day, Paul had a video call with his sister to tell her all about the adventure. During the call, Paul became emotional as memories from decades earlier came rushing back, times when he and his family rode steam trains with their dad. That simple wish had turned into a deeply personal journey that reconnected Paul with treasured memories from his past.

This part of the story reflects how meaningful activities and shared experiences, like Paul’s memorable day out with Liaise, can touch hearts and support emotional wellbeing.

Linking to Our Outcomes Pathway Tool

Paul’s experience aligns strongly with our Outcomes Pathway Tool:

• How You Spend Your Time: Participating in a meaningful and long-awaited trip
• Feeling Good & Mental Health: Positive emotions from fulfilling a personal wish
• Communication and Relationships: Sharing memories and experiences with family and staff
• Personal Interests & Aspirations: Pursuing a long-held interest in trains and nostalgia

These outcomes show how creating opportunities for joy and connection can be a powerful part of someone’s support journey.

A Wish Come True

For the team at Ashwood House and everyone at Liaise, moments like this remind us what meaningful support is really about: listening, acting with heart, and being there when it matters most. Paul returned home grinning and calling out “Choo choo!” as he relived the experience, a small echo of a day that meant so much.
Liaise

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