Meet the guardian angel who ‘never gave up’
Getting up in the morning, having breakfast and just trying to get ready for the day was a huge struggle for Meredith, who is supported by Lifeways in Leicestershire.
The 43-year-old, who lives in Hinckley, has Asperger’s Syndrome and has faced challenges with eating and looking after himself – but these were nothing compared to the battle he waged with his own sexuality.
But since working with Leanne Morris (picture below), a support worker at Lifeways - the UK’s largest provider of supported living for people with complex needs - his world has completely changed.
He now eats at least two meals a day, takes better care of himself and his flat and even attended his first-ever Pride event in August.
“Since Leanne joined, I feel like I have made great progress in my life with my eating and sexuality,” Meredith said. “Leanne understands me and helps me to understand myself. She is so bubbly, and never gives up on me.”
He has come a long way in a short space of time, with Leanne at his side every step of the way. When she first started, Meredith didn’t engage well with staff and often refused them entry to his apartment. But Leanne was determined to earn his trust, win his respect and help him.
Leanne, a former pub manager, is a natural people person and said she persevered and offered encouragement to build a relationship with Meredith. Eventually, he opened up about his sexuality. He had known for years that he saw himself as gay, but he never discussed it with anyone.
But Leanne took the first steps to support him to feel comfortable and "courageous" to come out and embrace his sexuality.
Leanne said: “For him to come to terms with his sexuality and show that everybody is different in their own way, is a huge and important moment in his life. I’ve been open with him and listened to him talk about his sexuality and helped him understand his choice in life. I also encouraged him to begin attending Pride festivals to show that we are who we are and to be proud of who we have become.”
She added: “It has been a long journey for me and all of the team supporting him with his eating phobia - but with encouragement, a positive attitude and never giving up, he is now eating and cooking with his support team.”
Meredith attended his very first Pride event in Leicester last month and loved every second of it. He is now looking forward to attending more pride events going forward.
Leanne joined Lifeways in 2023 as a support worker because she wanted a role in which she could make a difference. Soon after joining, she shone and was quickly promoted to the role of team leader.
When she started working with Meredith, he would go weeks without changing his clothes, bedding or cleaning his flat. But Leanne has supported him to take control of his life and he now takes great pride in his appearance and his apartment – even buying new furniture.
Michelle Reynolds, Leanne’s Area Manager, said: “Leanne has gone above and beyond in providing physical and emotional support for the person she supports. As well as helping him come to terms with his sexuality, she has been the driving force for him to start eating a wider variety of food that he struggled to do previously due to a deep-rooted phobia of eating.”
Michelle continued: “Leanne is very enthusiastic, willing to learn and has shown clear commitment to improving the delivery of care and support within our team.”
Leanne’s work with Meredith was recently recognised by Lifeways with an in-house CHOICE Award which is given to team members who live and breathe the company’s values – Caring, Honest, One Team, Innovative, Courageous and Equal.
On winning the award, Leanne said: “I am absolutely amazed and thrilled to receive this award. I love being a part of the fantastic team and I am so proud to work for and represent Lifeways.”
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