The Our Life Stories project has been fantastic. It was great for me to have the chance to take part. I’ve never done anything like it before and really enjoyed the training. It gave me the chance to interview people and share my story.
The best bit is talking to people and asking lots of questions, as described opposite. I like to try to help by doing this. It has also helped me to be better at asking questions in my quality checker work. I have interviewed my friend Lisa and am looking forward to being interviewed myself soon. It will be amazing. I can’t wait to see the exhibition in London too.
I live in the East of England with my two brothers, Ian and John. I moved in in April 2016. Before living here, I lived with my mum and dad.
Moving into my home made me feel so happy. It made all my dreams come true because I wanted my independence. I have my own bedroom with my artwork on the walls and lots of photos of family and friends. Being here helps me to do my own things in my own time.
I love going on holidays and on day trips, and I even like doing all my house jobs
Because of United Response, I was able to complete travel training with Louise, who works at United Response, and I can now get the bus by myself.
I did an event in Ipswich where I talked on stage with Louise and Luke (my friend). We gave a presentation about travel training. I really like going to events like that to give talks; everyone there is great.
Taking the bus I go into town, go to the shops and to day services on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
United Response staff help me with things like my medication, paying bills, internet banking, cooking, ironing and washing my hair.
I really enjoy doing lots of things with staff too. They support me with my hobbies such as going bowling, swimming or to the cinema.
I also enjoy going out to dinner, to the pub and being supported with clothes shopping in London. I have my one-to-one days with staff on Mondays or sometimes on Fridays too.
I love going on holidays and on day trips, and I even like doing all my house jobs. I love all my staff; they are all special to me in my life.
If I wasn’t living in my home, it would be difficult to do everything I currently do. I enjoy living with my brothers, I have family with me and also staff support. My friends Lisa, Jenna and Karen live in another supported living house on the same road as me. They are all my amazing best friends.
Being supported and living close by means we can visit each other a lot. I enjoy doing colouring with them and watching DVDs too.
Mum and Dad visit our house and my brothers and I see them for dinner at mum’s house every Wednesday. I like seeing my two dogs Lola and Deedee that live with Mum.
Being with United Response has given me valuable opportunities for paid work too. I work as a quality checker. I check on the quality of services being delivered by United Response in supported living and day services. I enjoy the work.
I like travelling on the train and going to visit different people to see how they are doing in their homes. Quality checkers are an important part of ensuring a high standard of services.
