From isolation to confidence : Sam's story

lauraodonovan2
2 days ago
4 min read

Everyone deserves connection, confidence and a voice that is heard. Our Communities team works every day to reduce isolation, build resilience and create circles of support for people with learning disabilities and autistic people to feel supported and empowered.

Sam's story is just one example of our work in action.

Sam* is supported by our Community Connector Kirsty Jay - Kirsty said:

"I have only been in my current role working with YVC for four months and Sam is the perfect example of exactly why I love working here. Sam lives with his elderly parents, both in poor health. His dad has been given less than 12 months to live, and his brother who had planned to support him, sadly unexpectedly passed away earlier this year. With no plan in place, Sam faced an uncertain future.

"In the past, Sam loved going out to clubs and events and even volunteered in a café. But after being assaulted on a bus journey home, his confidence was shattered. For the last 25 years, he barely left the house, spending most of his time alone in his bedroom watching movies and playing games. He said he felt scared to leave the house and would only go out with his parents for essential appointments.

"We first met Sam when me and a colleague visited him at home so he could get to know us. He told us he wanted to join some of our groups to make new friends but felt anxious and nervous. He showed interest in our Boldon drop in sessions and Cooking with Confidence course. We also referred him to the Let’s Talk team to ensure support was in place for when his parents could no longer care for him, and to the Learning Disability team at Monkton Hospital to assess his needs. Our financial team is also reviewing his benefits to make sure he was receiving the right support.

Building confidence through drop ins

"Sam's first drop in was a big step as he was very nervous and worried. His mam dropped him off, and I met him outside before I gave him a tour of Boldon Community Association. He was very quiet and didn’t say much until I showed him the snooker room. His face lit up as he told me all about his younger days of playing and how he has multiple trophies. He met some of our clients and staff before taking him to the café. He ordered breakfast but wanted to sit alone, with his back to everyone. Feeling overwhelmed, we stepped outside together for a breather, after a few minutes he came back inside before his mam picked him up.

"The next drop in Sam attended he said he still felt a little nervous, but was looking forward to coming back, he ordered his own breakfast and sat with some of our clients, he then went to have a game of snooker with three other clients.

“When I am at the drop-in, I feel like a weight is lifted and I can forget about everything that is going on with mam and dad, even if it is just for a few hours” – Sam

The Christmas party: a turning point

"And then came the Christmas party. This was the moment of real change, and we saw his confidence really show. It was delightful to see him up dancing, singing and chatting with lots of different people, who he had never met. At the end of the day, his mam had asked if I could call him a taxi to get him home. This is the first time he had travelled without his parents in 25 YEARS! His parents were amazed:

“He never stopped talking about the party” - Sam's parents

“I have had the best time in a very long time” - Sam

Next steps: cooking and connection

"Sam's journey doesn’t stop at the Christmas party. He’s now looking forward to starting our Cooking with Confidence course this month, a chance to learn new skills, cook a healthy meal and take it home to enjoy. This isn’t just about cooking, it’s about developing practical skills for independence and building confidence in a supportive environment."

"Another milestone for Sam is getting his very first mobile phone. Until recently, all contact had to go through his parents, but now he’s learning how to use his own phone with support from our team. These simple opportunities through our Communities team means Sam can feel connected, supported and empowered.

"For me to see the smile on his face and the confidence shine through at the Christmas party made my day! What an achievement in only three months of working with him to where he is now."

Sam's story, told by Kirsty, sums up just some of the reasons why our service is vital:

We help people fix their problems. No job is too small.
We provide stability during times of chaos with a safe, reliable place to turn.
We build resilience by helping people develop confidence and life skills.
We reduce loneliness by connecting people to opportunities in the local community and to community life.
We prevent isolation by creating circles of support and inclusive spaces.
We empower independence through practical skills and financial security.
We amplify voices so people can influence decisions and campaign for change.
We tackle health inequalities and reduce the number of people with learning disabilities who die of premature, preventable death.
We provide accessible volunteering and employment opportunities.
We support people through the benefits system and help them keep their benefits.