My name is Ade; I have Autism and a learning disability.

 

I have lived within the Lisieux Trust since 2012.

 

I share my home with 6 other people, one of whom is my girlfriend. I live in a nice big house with a lovely bedroom adorned with all my favourite rapper posters on the wall. I love to write my own raps.

 

My local community is very nice, and all local amenities are conveniently close. I can also easily visit my family as they are all local to me.

 

My staff are nice, and supportive, and assist me with things I need help with. Despite this, I am very independent, and the staff always encourage me to continue being so. I have a key worker who shares the same interests and hobbies as me, which is nice as we can enjoy activities together. My staff listen to me, even when I am unhappy about things.

 

I have a work placement in the local community, and I also attend Roots to Fruits, a gardening programme. Additionally, I go to the local gym to swim and take long walks to keep myself fit and healthy.

 

This year, I underwent open-heart surgery at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where the hospital team provided amazing care. I received excellent treatment and have recovered well.

 

My doctors can be good sometimes, but not so good at other times, like communication when I came out of the hospital. The hospital sent my after-care plan to the doctors, but they didn’t respond to it, and we had to chase this up.

 

The Lisieux Trust feels like a second family, and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I have control over my own life.