Continuing on with our ‘Day in the Life of No Limits’ series, we visited the Buckinghamshire North team, and had the opportunity to spend some time with one of the learners, Tom. Tom is a 22 year old young man, who has been at No Limits for five years now. Before joining MacIntyre, he was at a specialist boarding school in Gloucestershire, but these days, he lives at home with his family, and spends his busy weeks filled with learning, work experience, and his passion for music.
When we met Tom at MacIntyre No Limits, he was already halfway through his day, about to look at disability-confident employers with his support worker Chrissy.
Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Tom! How are you finding No Limits this year?
Tom: It’s going well! I’ve only been working with Chrissy (my new support worker) for a few sessions, but we’re getting along great. I also work closely with Rebecca Vaughan [MacIntyre’s Job Coach] on finding employment, as that’s one of my big goals for this year, I really want to get a job.
What kind of job would you like?
Tom: I’d love to work in a hospital, maybe as a porter. You can’t really do placements there directly, as it’s mostly through an agency, but Rebecca and I are researching different jobs on the government website. That’s actually what I’m doing today!
Chrissy: He’s really motivated when it comes to employment. We’re focusing on confidence, organisation and communication this term, all to help with those job goals.”
Tom then told us about a presentation he recently gave to MacIntyre’s Trustees.
Tom: Lucy [MacIntyre’s Programme Coordinator] and I made a PowerPoint about my story, what I’ve achieved and how I’ve grown at No Limits. One of my goals is confidence, so that was a big step for me. I was really quiet when I first came, and wasn’t very independent either. But I’ve come a long way since. I walk to No Limits most mornings, which I actually enjoy.
You seem really confident now! What else do you get up to during the week?
Tom: That depends on the day, but I’m hoping to gain some more work experience – otherwise, my passion is both music and cooking though – I’ve recently got a cooking qualification, which I got at college, MacIntyre supported me with the theory side, but I didn’t need help in the practical classes. I’ve always loved cooking – I used to bake a lot, so it’s nice to be able to continue using those skills.
Chrissy: He’s got a natural flair for flavours, he’s a great cook.
What’s your favourite thing to make?
Tom: I love a good pasta dish. On Monday, I cooked an aubergine and halloumi burger with sweet chilli sauce and sweet potato wedges. Today, I made a spicy cheese sandwich for lunch. I’m practising budgeting, so I’m trying to plan meals and save a bit of money.
Chrissy: It’s all part of becoming more independent; making your money last, planning ahead, and not always needing that top-up.
When Tom isn’t at No Limits, he’s usually making music. Every Tuesday for the past four years, he’s been going to a music studio to produce his own beats, through Youth Concern, a local charity offering safe spaces for 13-25 year olds.
Tom: I like all sorts, but mainly rap and drill. I play piano and drums too. I’m planning to build a home setup and I’ve been researching what I’ll need. It’s not cheap, but I’m looking at second-hand equipment.
Chrissy: He’s got it all mapped out. He knows what he needs and what’s realistic.
Tom’s week is full. On Mondays, he volunteers in a charity shop, something that started as work experience but became a regular thing because he enjoyed it so much. He was also thinking about the future.
What happens after your time at No Limits?
Tom: Hopefully employment. I’ve been talking with my Job Coach about adult courses, maybe in healthcare. That’s something I’m really interested in.
And when he’s not studying or working?
Tom: I like my Xbox, and I love rollercoasters! I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie. My favourite park is Thorpe Park, I’ve even been looking at jobs there. One of the ones I wanted is fully staffed, but we’re checking for others, especially with disability-confident employers.
As our chat finished, Tom was already thinking about what’s next on his list, finding even more disability-confident employers with whom he can work with.
At MacIntyre No Limits, every learner follows a pathway that’s shaped around their own goals and ambitions. Tom’s journey is a great example of how the ‘Onwards to Employment’ pathway supports him in his confidence while building practical skills, and taking real steps towards a job he’ll love.
