Introduction

James began working with Adviza in January this year. At 23, James faced numerous challenges, including mild autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and learning difficulties. After months of unemployment and increasing isolation, James and his family turned to Adviza for support, seeking change amidst their struggles. He was referred to the Building Futures project and began receiving support from his Key Worker, Helen, who shared: 

“James is a very sociable and able young man but was struggling because he was not getting any support.  His family had tried their hardest to get him on different projects and sent agencies lots of begging letters desperate for support, but unfortunately this hadn’t worked because James had not met their criteria.  This was having a huge impact on home life and on James’s mental health.  His family had reached the ‘end of their tether’ as they didn’t know what direction to take to get any support.”

Exploring Options and Setting Goals

We started off our sessions by exploring different options and looking at goals that James would like to do and that were achievable.

From the outset, James's passion for the outdoors became a guiding light. With the unwavering support of Adviza, James began exploring various opportunities that aligned with his interests and capabilities. Together, they identified achievable goals and pathways toward a brighter future. Helen said: “We started off our sessions by exploring different options and looking at goals that James would like to do and that were achievable.”

Together they looked at Friends in Need, which is run by Bucks Mind. They run uplifting, fun, free activities which support people with well being. Helen encouraged this as a way to get James more integrated in the community. James was also enrolled onto a badminton club through Sports in Mind, which he went onto attend and thoroughly enjoyed. 

Overcoming Hurdles

Despite setbacks and disappointments, James and his support network remained resilient. From navigating funding hurdles to advocating for James's needs, Adviza's commitment remained strong. Through perseverance and determination, they unlocked doors that had once seemed firmly shut. Helen expressed:

“We also looked at some voluntary work at the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust as an option for James.  I also e-mailed other local places regarding voluntary work to see what would be suitable.  As James enjoys gardening, we looked at the Missenden Walled Garden website which seemed to be a really good fit for him.  We made arrangements to visit the Walled Garden and spent time looking around and getting a feel for the place.  James really enjoyed his visit but unfortunately, he had to have an EHCP or get a referral from a Social Worker to get funding.  James had an EHCP previously, but it hadn’t been renewed due to lockdown and personal circumstances.  James was really disappointed and I made efforts to look at other potential pots of funding that we could use to get him started.”

James’ mum was going to reapply for the EHCP for James and the fact that he was so keen on the Walled Garden spurred her on to send in the application.  Miraculously, the EHCP was confirmed within a week (rather than the 6 months originally forecast). The Missenden Walled Garden was added to the EHCP and James was able to start there at the beginning of March!

Finding Purpose and Community

We were able to speak with the manager and filled in the application form there and then James started the following week, helping out twice a week.

James also visited the Dove café with Helen during one of his sessions. They enquired about a possible voluntary option and James felt very comfortable there. Helen shared: “We were able to speak with the manager and filled in the application form there and then James started the following week, helping out twice a week.”

 

Both the Missenden Walled Garden and the Dove Café have really helped James increase motivation and are helping him to have a more healthy lifestyle.  Both placements are teaching him valuable life skills and upskilling him for when the time comes for him to look for work. It’s not only nurtured James' confidence, but also meant he has fostered meaningful connections within his community.

Celebrating Success

Building Futures have given me direction and helped me use my own initiative more.  I now have a much better structure to my day and this has helped me sleep better and I’m not awake all night.

Today, James is thriving in his placements, embracing new challenges with enthusiasm and dedication. His journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative impact of tailored support. As James himself reflects: 
"I have found Building Futures very helpful as they have given me direction and life skills.  I feel more confident in myself and feel I am able to search different websites better after watching Helen search for volunteering placements.  Building Futures have given me direction and helped me use my own initiative more.  I now have a much better structure to my day and this has helped me sleep better and I’m not awake all night.  I’m enjoying both placements and it has been really beneficial to get out of the house and meet new people.” 

Helen also shared: “James is now thriving at both placements and is starting to make friendships which is lovely to see.  He has fitted in really well and is a valued member at both locations.  He is very creative and has already suggested some additional ideas that would be beneficial.  James is very hard working and is the first to volunteer if anything needs to be done, it has been a real privilege to see his growth and potential shine through.  Building Futures has not only benefitted James but his whole family.”

A New Beginning

Building Futures has had such a positive impact on us and has changed both our lifestyles and given us structure.

Equally profound are the sentiments of James' mother, who expressed gratitude for the support they received: “I am really really grateful, you were my last hope. I didn’t know what we were going to do. Building Futures has had such a positive impact on us and has changed both our lifestyles and given us structure. I feel we have a normal life now. So many other doors were shut in our face, but you have been able to help us.”  

For James and his family, Adviza's Building Futures program has been nothing short of life-changing.

Conclusion

James' experience with Adviza's Building Futures program stands as a powerful testimony to the profound influence of personalised support and commitment. By overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities, James has embarked on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. As we celebrate James' progress, let his story serve as inspiration for all those striving to build a ‘brighter future’.

           

26th March 2024

 

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