Annual Review 2008
JC's Story
Back when I was at school and had to do work-experience it was a major task just finding somewhere that was suitable for people with multiple disabilities. But Aspire ticked all the boxes and I really enjoyed my time there and made some good friends. In fact, when I did work-experience at college, I came back to Aspire where I felt so valued and was able to be quite independent for the first time in my life. It all went so well that I offered to do some volunteering in my spare time.
My mum and friends persuaded me to start doing aqua-therapy at Aspire and I’m now doing two mornings a week. When I started I had a carer and used a walking frame all the time. I can now walk around the building on my own and with no carer so I’m totally independent! The excellent staff really have helped – it won’t be long until I’ll be swimming by myself.
I finished college with good grades but the real world doesn’t provide many integrated work places. While I’ve been looking for work I’ve increased the amount of volunteering I do at Aspire and have also got a Saturday job looking after the IT facilities here. This really has boosted my confidence and self-esteem and I now feel like a valued, happy person with a purpose to life.
Being happy and content at work, with a good leisure and social life means a healthy mind and body! I owe so much to Aspire and can’t thank my colleagues enough for their support and for making me a part of their team.