Luis’s Journey: Overcoming Barriers and Building Independence

How local organisations helped Luis move from isolation to independence

In 2012, at the age of 18, Luis completed his Health and Social Care course at sixth form college. Like many young people, he faced the daunting transition into adulthood. For Luis, this period was particularly challenging due to his diagnosis of autism and his naturally quiet disposition. 

During his school years, Luis maintained a small circle of friends, participated in social activities, and enjoyed sports. However, the end of school disrupted his routine and sense of familiarity, leading to significant difficulties in adjusting to the next phase of life. His social interactions diminished, and he struggled to identify a clear path forward. Securing employment felt unattainable, and he became increasingly isolated, rarely leaving the house except for nighttime walks with the family dog. 

Luis’s family grew deeply concerned over a five-year period of increasing withdrawal and detachment. They worried about his mental health and were uncertain about the type of support he required. In response, Luis’s mother contacted his GP to express her concerns and request assistance. The GP referred Luis to Mental Health Services, who conducted an assessment at his home. This marked the beginning of his journey toward receiving appropriate support. 

Luis was subsequently referred to Autism Together, where he was introduced to his support worker, Sue. Sue made sure that Luis was aware of the provisions and support that were available to him. Luis shared ‘Without the referral I wouldn’t have known where to look for the support I needed and so this was a big help’.  

Engagement with Wirral Mencap 

Luis began attending Wirral Mencap in January 2017. Initially, he participated in the Gateway Award at the Crossbow Club. At that time, he was still very reserved and had limited interaction with others. This is where his confidence grew and with the support of his personal support worker, he was able to progress to the Independent Gateway Award, this enabled him to explore hobbies and fitness activities such as cycling, gym workouts, and ice skating. Luis also enjoyed photography and was able to take up the task of photographing the Mencap Members sports day. In 2023, he successfully completed his Gold Award. 

Luis also volunteered at a local charity shop and at Progress to Excellence, where he significantly developed his administrative skills. He enrolled in a course with Make It Happen, which helped him identify personal barriers and improve his communication abilities. He al so completed courses in ICT level 1 and 2 with lifelong learning to contribute to his skill set. Building on this progress and development, he began volunteering at Wirral Mencap, assisting with administrative tasks. 

Professional Development and Employment 

With increased confidence, Luis participated in a mock interview course and accepted the opportunity to attend a formal mock interview with ABL in July 2022. Although this experience pushed him outside his comfort zone, he managed the interview well and was thrilled to be offered a volunteering opportunity with ABL He had impressed them and had a project that they thought would suit him with in their office. Passing his driving test further enhanced his confidence and independence.  

Luis was gradually introduced to ABL team members and was offered a paid position. The organization worked closely with him to determine suitable working hours and conditions, ensuring a supportive and pressure-free onboarding process. The training was delivered in a structured and accessible manner, allowing Luis to process information effectively. 

After volunteering at ABL for a year where Luis was gradually introduced to ABL team members he was then offered a paid position which Luis felt delighted and ready to accept. The organization worked closely with him to determine suitable working hours and conditions, ensuring a supportive and pressure-free onboarding process. The training was delivered in a structured and accessible manner, allowing Luis to process information effectively. For a long time, Luis couldn’t envisage himself in employment due to his anxiety, worrying about the commitment needed, and if it was a environment he could cope with. He had never imagined that an employer would be willing and able to make the adjustments he needed but ABL did. From introducing Luis to the team gradually, being able to have his support worker with him when needed, flexible working hours and prompt sheets were made and all with the support of his manager and staff team.  

Luis Today: A Reflection on Growth and Resilience 

The Luis I encountered today presents as a confident and personable individual who speaks with sincere appreciation for the organisations that have supported him throughout his journey. He said "I go out more now. In the past, I found it hard to leave the house. The Gateway Award has helped to motivate me and given me something to work towards. It has been useful having a record of all that I have done. I’ve met new people and found myself in new environments - Sports Day, Scope, Progress to Excellence - and I’ve coped. My lifestyle is healthier - diet and exercise. I’ve gained in confidence and independence." 

He remains modest about his achievements, seemingly unaware of how inspiring his story truly is. From a period marked by isolation and significant personal challenges, Luis has actively engaged with the support available to him and has emerged as a young man with clear purpose and aspirations for the future. While he acknowledges that difficulties still arise, as he candidly states, “I can still have a bad day”, he is now equipped with the tools, confidence and support network necessary to navigate these moments more effectively. 

Reflections from Luis 

"I feel that things are going in the right direction at the moment. I'm taking more responsibility for day-to-day living and I'm looking for positive things to fill my time." 

"I am happy with the progress I have made, surprised that I have been able to take advantage of opportunities, tried things I had never thought about and discovered that I enjoyed them and could do them. I am glad that I was able to find an organisation that is willing to work with me, is a nice place to be and somewhere I feel comfortable. I feel that my resilience is improving, and I have coped with being in a busy office environment at Wirral Mencap." 

"My first visit to ABL was for the mock interviews. I was anxious and unsure what to expect. After the interviews, I thought that would be the end. Julie suggested there might be a volunteering opportunity, as I had completed some IT courses with Wirral Council. ABL saw potential for me to use those skills to support their team. When I met with Sam at ABL, he explained the tasks they needed help with. I was mindful of what environment I would feel comfortable working in, and what days and times would suit me. Over six months, I was gradually introduced to other team members. Eventually, ABL offered me a paid position. Sam and Liz worked with me to find a schedule that suited me. They did not pressure me during the HR process, which helped reduce my anxiety. The training was delivered in a way that made it easy to understand. I feel positive about taking the opportunity to work at ABL—it has improved my life and mental wellbeing."