“Grace Eyre has changed my life.
Since I joined Grace Eyre in March 2021, I have been more motivated by life and grown more confident in myself. My first introduction was through the Friendship Group. I was shy and nervous at first but soon made new friends, and at the time joined lots of Zoom sessions like yoga, art and the Friday night disco. When we could, meeting at the beach and for picnics were so nice, it was great to see people in person again. Interacting with people during the pandemic was so important and I don’t know what I would have done without it.
I became an Ambassador in April 2021 and, along with my manager talked about the future of Grace Eyre. I felt involved in decisions and got to talk to, and to know, different teams across the charity. I was then introduced to the Employment Project, and I found out what I would like to look for in a job and how to develop the skills I needed.
Before I joined Grace Eyre, I was depressed but Grace Eyre changed my life for the better. I thought I would never be able to find another job and I felt like a failure after having been made redundant from a job I’d had for 20 years.
Grace Eyre supported me on a training course at the office where I l developed my IT skills and learnt other tasks, like franking the mail. I also completed a first aid course, food hygiene and manual handling course. I really enjoyed meeting new friends and colleagues and learning how the reception worked at Grace Eyre.
This led me to me to continue onto a Customer Service Training Programme at an art studio where I learnt how to use a till, display art, and talk to customers. I sold some art to my dad and my sister. They were so proud of me, and it felt good. While attending the course, I secured a paid job as a Photography Assistant which was so much fun. I learnt so much. I also took part in a few different films and found a flare for acting! I was also inspired to use some of my photography to make a canvas and made a cup to sell.
I just really want to say thanks for everything that Grace Eyre has helped me to achieve, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. I would like to say to anyone looking for a job or just a bit lost to keep going and reach out for the help if you need it.
I have been very busy over the past few years since I first shared my story.
In October 2023, Grace Eyre Housing made it possible for me to move out of home and into my own flat. I receive support from Grace Eyre Choices outreach service to help me live independently. I clean my flat, do my own shopping and washing and go to football matches with my support worker. It’s amazing! Watch my short video.
Thank you, Grace Eyre, for giving me independence.
I attend Peer-to-Peer Support meetings to help Grace Eyre Housing tenants to sustain their tenancies, reduce isolation and help people feel more able to have their say.
I am involved with Speak Out, a local advocacy charity that makes sure people with learning disabilities can speak up and act about the things that matter to us. I take part in meetings at the Grace Eyre Worthing office to talk to others about advocacy.
I’m also a Grace Eyre trustee which enables me to learn all about what’s going on at Grace Eyre, have my say and make sure that the voices of autistic people and people with a learning disability are heard at board level.
I have a front of house role at Purple Clubhouse West – a monthly club night run by autistic people and people with a learning disability, through the Grace Eyre Purple Productions team. I check people’s tickets and make sure they have all the information they need to enjoy their night out!
I have continued with Employability and Skills courses having completed Money & Numbers and Learning for Work and Learning for Life courses. Following on from this, I recently started a voluntary role at a charity shop in Worthing, where I’m currently working behind the scenes with pricing and sizing, and making sure everything is well displayed.
I’m thrilled to have been able to share my poetry with people on several occasions including at the Grace Eyre Christmas Concert and with Carousel at the Worthing Assembly Rooms.
Watch this space to see what I’ll be doing next!”
If you’re inspired by Stuart’s story and want to find out more, please get in touch,
Call: 01273 201900
Email: enquiries@grace-eyre.org