by Bethan McDermott
Hello my name is Bethan McDermott. I’m 31 years old and live in Warrington.
I live with my parents but I’m supported by MacIntyre’s Shared Lives. I like all of my support workers a lot as they help me and we do nice things.
Importance of paid work
I have always worked since I left college and have lots of experience. I worked in Quench, a local café, for eight years and at the Gateway café for MacIntyre.
Then I had a paid job at Marks and Spencer. Unfortunately that contract ended and they couldn't keep me on although they wanted to. I felt sad as I enjoyed it and worked hard.
Starting work again
I’m happy again now as I started work co-delivering the Oliver McGowan Training with MacIntyre after Kathryn Yates put me forward for the role. I had to do an interview and then when I started I had to go to a training and induction day in Milton Keynes with Nicola Payne. It was exciting going to a new place.
In the induction we had to introduce and talk about ourselves and learn all about what the Oliver McGowan Training does and how important it is. After that I felt happy and was proud of myself as I am now a co-trainer for MacIntyre with Nicola and Rachel. I love delivering the videos on Dr Gobblygook and some other work on autism and learning disabilities.
Making a difference – and getting paid for it!
I enjoy it as I now get paid for my work again and I get to do an important job speaking for people with learning disabilities and Autism and I like talking about myself and my life to other people in places like hospitals, delivering what we call “all about me.” I also did a one-page profile to help me with my work.
It’s made me really happy to be working again as some of my friends also have jobs and I really wanted to work again and I never gave up.
It has been so wonderful meeting Bethan and supporting her in this exciting role. When I am with Bethan I can really feel her passion, enthusiasm, and confidence shine through. Bethan should be so proud to be in a paid role that helps educate others.
- Nicola Payne: Best Practice Health and Families Manager
