we promote independence
and support individuals to lead their lives to the fullest and in the way they want
Looking to the future
David Robinson’s positive attitude and busy lifestyle is an inspiration to us all. After visiting him at his flat in Blackburn it is clear to see this is one man who is certainly living his life to the fullest.
David has Aspergers and is supported by Paragon to live independently in his own tenancy. “Aspergers is in the Autistic spectrum” explains David. “It is complicated, but basically means we can have high intelligence, but lose out when it comes to other things, like social interaction.”
David has read a lot about Aspergers and his main priority is to understand what it is and what it means for him.
“What is important is that I learn as much as I can about my condition. I understand it, but I know I have more to learn which could help me in the future. The Autistic Society has a group in Manchester which provides information and training for people with Aspergers, and one of my future aims is to get involved with them.” David adds.
Paragon provides David with several hours support throughout the week. “Paragon don’t steer what I do, but they do give me helpful taps and nudges of support which I think is key to my progression,” says David. “This means the stage I’m at in my life now is very positive and I have a lot to aim for in the future.”
Having Aspergers has never held David back and instead has given him lots of opportunities. “It has opened more doors than it’s closed.” David says, “I love to be kept busy and I am not the kind of person to sit around all day and wait for things to happen. I believe you should go out there and get what you want. My main focus is finding things in my life to enjoy and living the best possible life I can.” He adds.
David’s get up and go attitude has got him involved in many clubs and
associations. David works on a voluntary basis at a preserved railway in Preston and is a member of the Leyland Model Railway Club.
“It’s not all sad old men in flat caps!” Jokes David. “There is a friend of mine who works with me who also has Aspergers. I meet new people, engage my mind and I also provide a professional service to the public.”
This interaction with the public and his involvement with the group has allowed David to develop new skills. “I have learnt new and also had skills confirmed. It’s great to do something I enjoy but at the same time be of benefit to the community.” He adds.
David’s other great interest is aeroplanes “I enjoy anything to do with them and love to make models of different types. It stems from living on a flight path to British Aerospace when I was younger. I wouldn’t say it was a passion , it is just something I really enjoy.”
David had a challenging 2007 with some of his family members falling ill. “I am very close to my family and I certainly learnt a lot about myself last year with everything that happened,” explains David. “During this period I was also reducing my medication. On paper I should have buckled, but I didn’t, I carried on and got through a difficult time.”
With his positive attitude David is now looking to the future and busy setting himself new goals. “I have started doing some day courses in pottery and jewellery making which I am really enjoying.” He says. “I am looking to do more courses like these and also possibly another voluntary job.”
David is an advocate of service user involvement and self directed support. As a member of the Progress Housing Tenants Panel he takes this role very seriously. “This is an important group looking at tenants rights,” explains David. The group meets once a month to discuss and raise issues of concern as well as look for ways to improve the environment they live in. “People are realising that we are the experts when it comes to services and are asking for feedback more and more.”
Since launching a year ago the group have achieved some key initiatives. “We recently assisted in the production of a ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ poster for tenants hallways which has been successful. We are continuously progressing and in a short space of time have achieved a great deal.”
David’s aim for the future is to be more involved in service user participation and also raise awareness of mental health issues. “I think, like me, everyone should have the opportunity to have a say in the way that they are supported.”
It’s this support that enables individuals to become more active and independent and, like David, to live their life to the fullest.