I work at Cleve Court a couple of days a week.  It’s a home for old people and people with disabilities.  I’m a Housekeeping Assistant.  I really like it there. It’s lovely.  The staff are really lovely there and I am a part of the team.  I’ve been there since January, so I’m quite new. 

I used to be a travel buddy for years.  I helped people on the buses.  I helped them to get bus passes, and helped them with money.  I did that for years.  Then Covid hit and I couldn’t do that anymore.  Then I worked at a day centre called Carswood.  I did the same sort of thing.

I went to Fox’s Academy, where people with learning disabilities go and learn to live on their own.  I actually worked in a hotel, and learned about money and how to meet other people.  I was there for 3 years.

Keynsham Mencap

I went to my first Keynsham Mencap group when I first moved to Saltford.  I went to the Junior Club.  My parents still live in Saltford, but I live in Keynsham now.  I met my husband at Bath Mencap.  He was there too.  We married in 2018.  It will be 7 years in July.  We got married at the Chocolate Factory. 

I go to Club 25.  I like doing different activities and going out from time to time – like bowling or going out for a meal.  I like to see all my friends, and the volunteers are lovely.  I think that Mencap is a lifeline for me.  If I didn’t have Mencap, then I would be isolated.  I have a lot of friends at Mencap.  I used to live with one of the other members – Suzie. 

I’ve been on the Mencap holidays.  They are so much fun.  I used to go every year.  I really enjoyed them.  I’ve got my husband now, so we go on holiday together.  Last year we went to Norfolk.  This year we are going up to Fort William.  It is lovely up there. 

Abseil

I did the abseil last month.  I met Molly and my family, then got the harness and hat on.  I did it for a good cause.  I have been involved in Mencap for a long time, so when I saw people abseiling last year, I thought I would do it this year.  It was amazing!  I raised money for it on Local Giving.  I asked my family, and friends and at work as well.

I think the abseil is enough for me.  I don’t want to jump out of a plane or walk on hot coals.  I might abseil again next year.  It wasn’t hard.  I suppose one of the highs was being at the top.  It was such a nice view. 

Family

I like spending time with my family.  I have a brother.  He is married and lives in Saltford too, so I am very lucky to have my family close by.  Some people don’t. 

I love dogs.   My parents have a dog, and my husband and I walk him quite a lot.  We walk around the lanes and the woods.  Me and Mark love looking after him.  He is 9 years old now, but he doesn’t act like it.  He is so cute.