I have lived at my home for many years after moving from residential support. Before a long illness, I was always out and about but when I was recovering, I struggled to leave my flat and was very reluctant to even let anyone near me then Covid hit, and I was comfortable staying in. Very soon many other folk throughout the country stayed at home and as everybody became confused about the outside world. At last I wasn’t the only one.
Very gently my support workers started to introduce new items into my flat that I liked and supported me to accept them. My courage started to grow, I started to let them stay in my flat longer and chatted with them until I asked them to leave. You can get too much of a good thing!
I then gained the confidence and started to answer my own front door, which can be difficult for me as you can imagine. Each time I opened the door I looked down the corridor and had a look at the front door. It was in reach but not yet as they say so near but so far.
My supporters continued to very slowly and gently encourage me to go to the front door, they helped me to understand the benefits of fresh air, seeing places, and poking my face out to the world.
It’s a new day and I am going to Harlow Carr Gardens! I used to love going there. In my hey day I was never at home, my passion was collecting registration numbers and my memory was excellent you can ask anyone who knew me.
I was very stressed and scared getting to and arriving at the venue. All the sounds and senses were overwhelming, but I battled through and started to feel more comfortable. My supporters continually encourage me throughout and I found I didn’t do anything that I didn’t want to do.
We started to walk around, and saw different varieties of plants, flowers, and trees which I love. Pink is my favourite colour that’s why I’m wearing pink to mark this special occasion. To see the hyacinths was fantastic. It was amazing as they say to feel the grass underneath my feet again.
I now take one day at a time knowing I trust myself and my supporters to venture forwards. I want to continue to be encouraged and supported in accessing and enjoying the world that I have missed so much.
