by Mandy Cassidy, Support Worker
Luke is lives in Warrington, and is supported by MacIntyre . He was quite isolated because he can struggle to trust people and needs to feel safe. But he has a lot to give.
We started looking at different things for Luke. It was partly to do with the money, it’s the cost of living crisis isn’t it and we had to look for how to get the most for his money. And it was partly because Luke loves shopping but going to the Asda or somewhere is too overwhelming for him. He doesn’t like it when people stare at him because he makes noises and vocalisations. And sometimes he needs to leave quickly.
Finding the food pantry
Someone told us about this food pantry. We found out about it then looked at a few different ones. The idea is you pay a membership and then you can buy your shopping. We looked at a few others but this one fitted him because it’s local and calm, there’s a café and he has got to know the people who work here. They look out for him.
Getting the weekly shop
At first when Luke came he grabbed everything but now he knows he doesn’t have to, he’s learning it’s about getting what he needs and knows we will listen to make sure he gets what he wants.
Luke loves a bagel for his breakfast and they’re so dear so we get them when they are here and freeze them. It’s all cheap here and he can choose what he wants we don’t have to worry about budgeting as much. We got a weekly shop for £19 and it’s really good stuff.
Looking out for each other
Luke loves Simon who works here. He always says hello to him. He knows Luke’s routine, that he likes to come in and have a cuppa before going round the shop.
Simon told us:
We had our photo taken together and it’s on his fridge so he knows I will be here when he comes in. I always sort him out with some chocolate too! There’s people on this street who have lived here 20 years and have just met here in the last year since we have been open. Luke’s part of that and we all look out for each other.
Back to Mandy:
When we are here he gives me kisses and that’s how he shows me he’s happy and I can help him feel calm and in control. The customer behind us just came up and said “that’s nice that” after seeing how we communicate together – it’s always like that here, he’s accepted.
The results of creative thinking
Sally, Area Manager in Warrington says:
Luke was someone who spent a lot of his time in bedroom and this was because he didn’t want interactions with people he didn’t trust, he felt safe in his bedroom. It was felt that he didn’t like being around people. The staff have been creative and brave - he’s getting up and feeling like he’s part of something, going to a place where he’s recognised and accepted.
What next?
This is Mandy again:
It’s gone so well we are thinking about the next steps. Could Luke do anything to help in the shop? And there’s another pantry that has a bingo on a Tuesday night so we are going to try that too.
Everyone Everywhere
You can read all our recent Everyone Everywhere stories, in which we explore community connections, here.
