Outlook Care
Access options
Andrew's Story
Andrew is a supported living tenant from Basildon, Essex. His involvement in Outlook Care has had a positive impact on his life and the repercussions can be felt throughout the organisation.
“I’ve done really well with Outlook Care. I like helping – I feel like I’m doing something for people in the community and I like to meet people and to help staff.”
Before moving into supported living accommodation in Basildon, Andrew lived in a shared flat in Brentwood. As time went on he became more and more involved with Outlook Care and with each event he helped out with, with each meeting he attended, his confidence grew and he eventually moved into his own home.
This year Andrew has gone from strength to strength, and was recently appointed as co-chair of the Service User Committee. “We speak about how to improve your confidence and how to develop our independence. We build confidence, and mine has definitely grown.”
As a member of the committee, Andrew paid a key role in the development of our Service User Standards which summarise what is important to the people we support.
“A group of us talked about what can change our lives and we split into groups to discuss things like finance. For example, my sister visits me on a Sunday and I’d like to pay for her to be here for that day rather than a carer. It’s all about independence.”
“We also spoke about different topics like privacy.” As usual, Andrew explains why this is important to service users, using his own feeling and experience as examples. “In the evenings I like my own privacy so I can wind down after the day. And independence - it has to be your choice what you do and who you mix with.”
The standards have been welcomed across the organisation and Andrew remains positive about their continued impact. “I think they will make a difference. I want service user voices to be heard.”
Andrew has also become a regular at Outlook Care and partner events, always ready with a welcome smile and an eagerness to chat. “Since I’ve been on the committee and going to different places I’ve become more independent. I go to places I’ve never been before and it’s fantastic – it really gives me a buzz.”
“I like every event, just going out there, and if there is something to say, say it. People come over and say hello and that they are very impressed with me!”
“I’m independent now and I’ll keep it up. But if I fall down, I won’t be afraid. I’ll just pick up the phone because there is always someone there to help.”
