Who We Help » James
We appreciate the need to move slowly with James.
In his own words, the institutional setting in which he found himself at 15,"damaged him" - and helping him reverse this perception of himself has proved difficult.
His diagnosis is on the spectrum of mental health and learning disabilities, and he is quite inventive in devising games of social paradox. A lot of work is being done to help James understand that he has choices, and that what happens in life depends on himself.
James is still supported by Life of Your Own to get up each morning and to follow through on a previously agreed agenda for the day. He has experimented with a variety of roles, leaving some things behind and holding onto others. He has shown consistency and joy in his work as a cook, and patience within curiosity as a cleaning job has developed into community relationship with the owner of a local nightclub.
He cared for an elderly woman in his community with great compassion, and has maintained relationships with her friends since she passed on.
James is talking a lot more and taking considerable interest in video sessions, which various Life of Your Own staff members conduct. He has undertaken adult education courses in computing and pottery.
Of all games, chess provokes a strong and consistent interest since "it is not a game of chance".
A recent Christmas was one of the best for his family for a long time. James joined his family for the main meal and was able to be generally sociable.
He is being encouraged to participate in a number of regular group social activities. James also relates to other Life of Your Own users in his own very special way.
After a period of uncertainty it now seems Life of Your Own will have a prolonged involvement in his life.
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