As part of World Autism Awareness Week in March, Voyage Care welcomed two people we support to group support in Staffordshire to talk about their autism journeys.
Neil and Charlotte spoke about their personal struggles and how their support teams at Voyage Care have improved their lives.
Inspiring stories: Neil and Charlotte on the morning they shared their autism journeys with Voyage Care staff
“I was diagnosed with autism when I was 16 years old. I was bullied at school, I mixed with the wrong people and they tried to take advantage of me,” said Neil.
“There was a time when I wasn’t talking to anybody, I was neglecting my personal hygiene. I wasn’t aware I was going downhill,” explained Neil.
Moving into his new home
Neil, who enjoys cooking, travelling and walking, went on to talk about his experience of moving into his new home. It is a Voyage Care, autism specialist residential care home in Greater London.
“I moved to my home in 2004. I felt a bit scared and kept myself to myself and I then realised there were people I can talk to who would listen,” said Neil.
‘I’m able to live a good life’
“I now have a good staff team that treat me well and tell me it’ll all be okay. I have good days but also bad days. With the support I receive I’m able to live a good life.”
Charlotte gave us an insight to what makes her anxious. She also spoke about moving into her Voyage Care specialist autism residential home.
“I like my home. I was scared at first,” said Charlotte.
‘It was amazing to hear their inspiring stories’
Staff members from different teams were moved by Neil and Charlotte’s stories.
“It was amazing to hear their inspiring stories and it was great to learn more about autism,” said Lauren Neadle, Internal Communications Executive.
Chloe Fernyhough, Duty Quality Coordinator, became reflective after their presentations.
“Listening to Neil and Charlotte’s stories made me really realise the difference the company I work for makes to people’s lives every day,” said Chloe.
Courtesy of our Training and Development team, colleagues at group support were also given an insight as to what it is like to be autistic. Using a number of apps and virtual reality headsets, staff were taken into the world of an autistic person.
Extending a true understanding at Voyage Care
Events like this extend a true understanding of autism beyond our care and support staff across all areas of Voyage Care. This extends from marketing to IT, HR to finance. We work together with support staff to create the very best care and support.
