Meet Alex
Alex lives in one of our supported living homes in South West London. He shares his home with Josh and Ali and has family who live nearby in London.
Alex lived with his family until moving into his supported living home five years ago, and has been supported by staff from United Response.
Support to learn new skills
Since moving into his home, Alex has been supported by his support worker from United Response, Matthew, to cook and plan meals, learning how to do housework, and with exercising in the gym.
Alex said: “I had help with chores, washing, and cooking.” Alex shares how Matthew has helped him stay motivated and over the years build up his confidence. “I help Alex with motivation, personal hygiene, cooking food, and day to day things”, says Matthew. Alex is supported by staff to keep his room clean and tidy. “It takes me about fifteen minutes to clean my room. I do it during my one-to-one time on a Tuesday and Friday.”
They often both enjoy cooking together. “Alex has gone from a one or two on the cooking scale and now I would rather eat his food than a takeaway.” Matthew shares how over the years he has seen “Alex’s confidence build up” from the skills that he has built and developed.
Matthew supports Alex to stay active and they enjoy working out together at the local YMCA centre. “We go to the gym together, and we have enjoyed doing bench work at a YMCA centre in London. We have used the outdoor gym there and have been to the tennis courts there too”, says Alex.
Alex has a great friendship with Matthew. “We have a friendship, even if he did something in the future, we’d still see each other”, says Alex.
A love for cooking
Cooking is a big passion for Alex. “Cooking has always been a family affair. My Mum and her mum and my sister were cooks. I was always around food, I like food and I wanted to cook at home”, shares Alex. He enjoys baking and trying out different recipes in his wok. “I’ve made brownies, lemon zest cake, and I know how to make pasta. My mum taught me how to make spaghetti bolognaise.”
Alex has a collection of recipe books which he uses to make different recipes. He also uses lots of herbs. “I have my own shelf of herbs. I use rosemary and thyme if I’m roasting something.”
Alex’s interests
Alex likes his room, especially his Coca-Cola fridge and his geisha doll, as he is really interested in Japanese culture. He also enjoys sitting in his big, relaxing chair to play games on his PlayStation.
Alex will often spend time in the local community, going out for walks nearby and going to the local supermarket to buy ingredients to make tasty recipes. He also has a passion for bikes and enjoys fixing bikes. “I know how to fix bikes from scratch.”