JD feels supported by IPS WorkWise
"This service has been instrumental in improving my career confidence"
ZA was referred to the Kingston Peer Support Service due to low mood and feeling socially isolated which they believed was linked to her experience of autism. They had been waiting for an autism assessment for a long time with it taking place during her time with the service. She said that she would find it helpful to meet regularly to speak about some of the difficult emotions that came up after receiving her diagnosis, especially with someone who has gone through that process themselves.
The Peer Support Worker worked with the client on creating more accessible ways, such as scripts and communication cards, to communicate what she needed with family and professionals when words feel difficult.
ZA shared they had come to peer support with experiences of being misunderstood by others, including during group activities. As a result, they felt it was difficult to attend groups and make friends, but they also really wanted to meet new people. They shared that her attempts to challenge themselves to go to new places or change up their routine often led to autistic meltdowns, and they wanted support in noticing when to pull away from a situation.
Talking through their experience of autistic meltdowns in depth they developed strategies to help with communicating with people and reminding themselves of their needs. ZA also challenged themselves to visit her best friend outside of London, which they had been trying to do for years. The client described feeling more comfortable with participating in a group setting and has been regularly attending the autism peer support group at WWT.
“I’ve only attended one group so far and I feel like it’s already helped me feel a bit less alone you know. I feel like I really connected with a lot of what others were sharing.”
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In Work Support for when DH needed it
"I have had support the whole way and I am happy with the support I was given."
AQ’s Story
Despite the challenges of trying to find a role that fit around his schedule AQ remains motivated to continue his Employment Journey and with the support of his Employment Specialist they are more motivated than ever to find a role that is right for them.