What I’ve achieved since I moved to a Lifeways supported living service: Jason’s story

For Autism Awareness Week (29 March – 4 April), Lifeways is celebrating the role of autistic people in our society. Find out what we’re up to over the week.

Since Jason moved eight months ago to his own apartment at our Portway House supported living service in Stafford, Staffordshire, he’s been thriving.

Jason, who lives with autistic traits, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and a learning disability, shared his story with Niamh Campbell, Service Manager, and it’s published here with his permission.

Very proud

Before Jason moved to Portway House, he lived at a shared house run by another provider.

Jason wasn’t too happy there. He was on PRN medication (meaning medication that’s taken when needed) – which he refers to as his ‘calming tablets’ - to help his anxiety and concerning behaviours.

However, since he moved to Portway House, Jason is very proud of the fact that he hasn’t asked or felt the need for any more of the medication.

Each evening, Jason sits with his Support Team, talking about what went well with his day, and what could have been better. Doing this has a positive impact on his anxiety levels.

At the end of each month, Jason asks for a certificate which states he hasn’t needed any PRN medication. As Jason likes to keep records of his own achievements, he then hangs these certificates on his wall. 

Cooking from scratch

Since he moved to Portway House, Jason’s also found himself wanting to eat more healthily. When he first moved in, Jason ate lots of frozen meals. But now, with support from the team, he likes to cook meals from scratch, with fresh ingredients. Jason says his favourite meals to cook is chicken curry with rice - and he sometimes chooses this over his traditional Friday night takeaway!

Jason also enjoys helping out around the service. He gets involved in routine health and safety checks, and came up with the idea of colouring in pictures of masks on posters and hanging these up as reminders.

But Jason’s favourite job, in his own words, is ‘helping the manager in the office.’ Doing this includes photocopying, filing, laminating and shredding documents – which he says makes him happy.

Forming friendships

Before moving to Portway House, Jason was nervous about engaging with other individuals who live there. At first, he wouldn’t take part in any group activities - but he now enjoys interacting with other people and joining in with activities.

As Jason enjoys achievements, his current goal is to learn how to read. To achieve this, he’s bought himself books and is working really hard on this personal goal together with his Support Team.

We’re here for you, Jason, every step of the way!

About Portway House:

Portway House, where Jason lives, is made up of fifteen self-contained one-bedroom apartments. It’s just a short walk from Stafford’s centre and offers individuals both independence and support from the team there. Portway House is run by Living Ambitions, which is part of the Lifeways Group.

About the Lifeways Group:

The Lifeways Group, which operates across England, Scotland and Wales, is the UK’s largest team of professionals providing support for adults in the community.

Our extraordinary support for almost 5,000 people across 1,500 supported living and residential services helps people with complex and diverse needs lead more fulfilling, independent lives.