Shoebury man lost half his body weight - here is how

In 2019, he weighed 50 stone, was bed bound and rarely left his house.

Thankfully, now things are very different for the 51-year-old and he has a good social life and has lost half his body weight.

Paul, who has learning difficulties, moved to Longmans Shoebury, an extra care scheme run by Southend Care, two years ago and his life got back on track.

He lives independently within a flat at Longmans which is staffed 24 hours a day. 

Paul is able to utilise the technology provided at the residence to boost his confidence and allow him to go out and live his life.

Using tech - Paul using the technology available at Longmans (Image: Longmans)Within two years of moving to his flat at Longmans, Paul lost weight and care staff help him to make fresh meals every day.

He goes to Southend United games and gets out and about in Southend to do food shopping and meeting friends.

Technology has played a big role in helping Paul to lead an independent life, doing the things that he enjoys.

He wears a telecare device with GPS technology that gives him and his care workers peace of mind when he goes out.

Paul said: “I wear it round my neck when I go out and it helps with my confidence.

"I support Southend United – someone has to - and I go to matches with my sister and niece.

"I get a lift back from my brother-in-law and I press the button and say, ‘I’m coming home now, see you in a minute’ and then the staff here know I’m on my way back.

“They get worried if I’m late. If I get into trouble, I press the blue button and the staff say, ‘what’s the matter, Paul?’ And they can see where I am.”

In 2022 Paul went on holiday for the first time ever to Butlins and loved it. He regularly plays computer games, loves colouring and has a girlfriend.

He also loves the huge digital tablet in the communal area at Longmans and uses it to play games and do colouring.

Many of the devices have been put in place through TAPPI (Technology for our Ageing Population: Panel for Innovation) a national project helping care and housing organisations to improve how they use technology.