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Service Users talk about their lives...
Matt is 25, comes from Birmingham, has Asperger’s Syndrome and came to live at a Spectrum home in Camborne four years ago.
"I’m much happier now than I was when I was younger. Usually I can cope with the Asperger’s quite well. Mostly when people are angry and upset they shout, but I try to keep calm. When I do get anxious I have problems with saying out loud what’s in my head, but the staff here are good about understanding. I feel comfortable about talking to them about anxieties and it’s nice when they try to help me. We get attached to them – some people think Aspergers don’t care, but deep down we do."
Matt’s been to college and studied for key skills – English, Maths and IT. "It was OK," he said, "but at the moment I don’t want to do that any more. I like going for walks and Cornwall has a lot of nice countryside. In the house I like to read, play board games and look at the internet."
Recently Matt visited the Eden Project and found the biomes with their tropical and Mediterranean vegetation interesting. "That was a good day out – there was a lot to see."
Matt doesn’t like a lot of noise around him. "I prefer talking and chatting and hate loud music."
Louise is 22, has autism, and has been with Spectrum for several years. Currently resident at a home near Truro, she has a bright, chatty personality, showing enthusiasm for her various activities.
At her family home Louise has three Cavalier spaniels whose photos she keeps in her albums. While she’s with Spectrum she regularly rides at a local stable where she enjoys the company of horses.
Louise attends Truro College four days a week and has studied first aid, horticulture, media studies, and a range of therapies including relaxation, aromatherapy and massage.
"My favourite course is Gateway, when we walk on Dartmoor and do the Ten Tors route. It’s good fun and I don’t even mind getting wet when it rains. There’s about thirteen of us doing it – we really enjoy it."
Louise and the other residents at her home have regular trips to a Truro bowling alley, and often go out for a pub meal together. During her quiet times she enjoys watching TV and doing jigsaw puzzles.
"Where we live is a lovely house," she says. "I get on well with everybody, the staff and the other service users. They’re all helpful and if there are any problems we can sort them out together – I feel happy here."
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