Tracy said: “The difference our support makes to Jeremiah’s day to day life is stark. If Jeremiah didn’t have any support he wouldn’t go out at all. He’d stay in his bedroom playing games on his console all day. The team have encouraged Jeremiah to realise what he can enjoy outside of his home, and to find joy in other things. And they have done an incredible job in supporting him.
“It was one particular support worker Kayla who found out about the art class and suggested it as something Jeremiah would enjoy. It’s an incredible feeling when you help someone find out what their passion is, it’s always a bit of detective work as to what can make that person’s day.
“The group has had such a huge impact for Jeremiah. He can have bouts of depression, but after the class we always see such a difference in him. He’s always keen to show off what he has created, whether it’s a canvas or a picture, he loves the achievement of what he has done.
“Supporting someone who has mental health problems is a different skillset for my team. It’s about getting to know that person and finding out what works for them. For Jeremiah, he has to feel like he fully trusts someone before he’s willing to go out with them. He also prefers people who have a calm and patient nature to them, so he feels like he is in control of the situation, rather than being told what to do.
“Because of this, we know who he connects best with and those are the people who support him regularly. And now he loves going out, being active and expressing himself through his art. We have realised he is willing to try anything as long as he has the right support.”