At MacIntyre, we pride ourselves by our ability to build real relationships with the people we support; getting to know their likes, dislikes and ambitions for the future. For many of the people we support, learning to build strong and healthy relationships is incredibly important.
Dean has been supported by MacIntyre for a number of years and is at heart, a romantic. With big plans and an even bigger heart, more than anything Dean wanted to build a life with someone that he could be proud of.
It wasn’t until staff in Shropshire met Monica, that they realised that there could potentially be something special between them. Having moved from another provider to MacIntyre, staff took the time to get to know Monica and how best to support her. They learned that alongside telling a joke or two, she loved to regularly volunteer at a local shop, helping to serve customers and provide support.
Speaking about Dean and Monica, staff said:
“We thought it might be a good idea to introduce them and that they might get on, but we had no idea that they would get on as well as they did.”
The pair began as friends, meeting regularly, but this would quickly blossom into something more. Learning of Monica’s job at the local shop, Dean showed an interest in volunteering too and it is now an activity the couple do each week.
Not only this, but staff have supported the couple to learn about relationships and the importance of communication, which they have both confidently taken on board.
Now, after several happy months together, the couple are engaged, after Dean nervously proposed on New Year’s Eve. Of course, much to Dean’s delight, Monica said ‘yes’.
Carly, a Frontline Manager at MacIntyre said:
“Staff who have known Monica for a long time have said that they have never seen her as happy as she is with Dean. It’s really lovely to see.”
