Amy is a fun-loving lady who likes to keep busy doing the things she loves. This includes listening to music, eating chocolate, playing games such as tag rugby and Cookie Fever on her laptop, being creative with arts and crafts, and going swimming. Amy also enjoys getting the bus to the arcades and going on the dodgems (as long as she gets to sit on the top deck at the back). Amy also at times, opts to do something more relaxing, such as sitting outside people-watching.
It is important to Amy that she knows in advance what is happening so she can put it in her calendar. Amy is happy when everyone around her is happy.
Amy thrives on independence, hugs on her terms and routine. She’s affectionate, cheeky, playful, empathetic, honest, resilient and has a good sense of humour, which makes Amy great company.
Amy also has Autism and has been supported by Supportability for 14 years. Amy’s mum, Denise, says one of the most positive things about Amy’s time at Supportability is the special bond she has with her two Support Workers. Amy calls them “my friends”, and they have played an integral role in enabling her to develop her communication, social skills and the ability to form positive relationships.
Denise says Amy’s Support Workers know her well and can recognise when she needs to be reassured. They support her with coping strategies when confronted with things that in the past may have upset or distressed her, such as dogs and crying babies. This has had an incredibly positive impact on Amy’s life, by creating safe and enjoyable experiences when she goes out into the community, forging life opportunities she otherwise may not have had the opportunity to experience, and enabling her to contribute to, and be a valued member of her community.
Currently, our support means that Amy can make a positive and meaningful contribution to her community by volunteering twice a week at a busy charity shop in Stockport, as well as one day a week at a café. Not only does this mean Amy can help others, it provides her with the opportunity to make new friends. It gives her a sense of connection and has a positive impact on her mental and physical health. Volunteering also helps develop Amy’s skills such as counting money, handling deliveries, reloading a dishwasher and decorating tables.
As well as our support contributing to Amy having a greater quality of life, it also gives Denise peace of mind; and allows her to have a well-earned break. Amy doesn’t like the noise and disruption of vacuum cleaner, so when she is busy with her volunteer responsibilities, Denise can get on with the housework and more importantly, have her own social life. It’s the small things that make such a big difference to Denise’s wellbeing.
In January, Amy won Volunteer of the Month with ‘The A World’, which is a fantastic achievement and we are so proud of her.
