Zander is 23.
For a long time, his days were spent at home with his dad. They kept to a routine that worked for them. Most mornings started with a walk to the park at the same pace. Zander notices what’s around him. If something’s on the ground, he’ll spot it straight away. A leaf, a stick, anything out of place. He’ll pick it up, throw it, or kick it along as he walks.
Zander spent a few years out of education, having left school as a teenager, so when he started coming to MacIntyre No Limits in Bedford, it was important that nothing felt rushed.
Sabah, one of the Programme Co-ordinators, began by joining Zander and his dad during their morning walks at the park. Zander would glance over now and then, taking her in, and getting used to her.
Over time, she became a familiar face walking alongside them, and eventually Zander and Sabah began going on short walks without his dad - not for long periods at a time, but enough to build up a relationship before heading home again. As Zander became more confident, he started visiting No Limits Bedford site for an hour or two, a few days a week. Then, having lunch there, his days gradually becoming longer.
It built up at his pace.
Zander’s first year was about getting to know him: his likes, dislikes, the things that unsettled him, and the things that helped him feel comfortable enough to stay.
Some days looked a bit different. Lunch didn’t always go to plan, and things on the walls didn’t always stay there. People around him noticed what needed to move, what to keep out of reach, what helped things feel easier for him.
Over time, things began to shift. Zander now arrives carrying his bag, walking through spaces that once felt uncomfortable. He doesn’t stop to pick things up or clear the way, instead, he just walks through.
Zander now enjoys being out and about, and trying a few new things too.
He goes swimming and trampolining, handing over a small card with his name on it when he arrives, waiting as it’s read before heading inside. He’s started joining group sessions with other learners too, sitting alongside others at first and then gradually joining in. Sometimes he laughs, caught up in what’s happening around him.
He plays catch as well, passing the ball back and forth with other young people he’s spending more time with.
Food has become part of his day in a different way. He’s using the air fryer and microwave, trying a few different things alongside the meals he already enjoys.
At his recent EHCP review, Sabah sat down with Zander’s family to talk through how things have been. His dad spoke about how much Zander now does during the week, and how quiet the days at home can feel.
They also spoke about what might come next for Zander; Doing more in the week, away from No Limits, visiting different places, and even looking at how Zander can be more independent. It’s the start of a different kind of conversation.
Zander is now in his second year and working towards a qualification. The people around him know him well, and you can see it in the way they move together, the way they notice things, and how Zander settles alongside them.
And in between all of that, there are moments that stand out slightly.
Walking through a busy space, bag in hand; Laughing in a group;
Throwing a ball back and forth with someone else.
They’re small things, but they come one after the other, becoming part of his day.
