Meet Simon
Simon was born with right-sided hemiplegia which has led to a learning disability and epilepsy. He lives in a shared home in South West London.
Simon has been living in his home since January 2021. He shares with two other tenants and has an ensuite room with a balcony. “It’s great, the staff are really nice,” he says.
Although the other tenants are two older women who are less mobile than Simon, this suits him. “I want to live somewhere that’s calm and peaceful,” he says. They are all friends and get on well, and have dinner together each evening to catch up and chat.
Choosing to live independently was a big step for Simon and one that he and his mum Karen approached with trepidation. “It's been a massive change for both of us, especially as you’re handing over the trust to someone else to keep your loved one safe,” explains Karen. “It’s surprised us both how Simon has settled in and become so much more independent.”
The housing benefit application process has been managed by RWP so that Karen doesn’t have to worry about that - she pays a set amount to cover food and the internet. Repairs to the property have been swift, such as fixing the kitchen floor and lighting. “We can’t complain at all, I’m impressed at how the property is kept so well. Also the support provided is amazing with such capable people.”
Before moving into his home, lockdown had an impact on Simon’s care provision. His support worker had to shield and respite activities ceased, so the daycare fell to Karen. “Simon was coming into contact with lots of different support workers and it was becoming dangerous.” Simon is fairly stoic about his lockdown experience, though: “It was alright, I just chilled out.”
A local centre for independent living is helping Simon by recruiting another PA for shifts throughout the week. “He just wants a nice young man who’s kind and capable and fun to hang out with,” says Karen. “It’s important for him to socialise with people his age.” Simon loves the bowling group organised by the Special Olympics group and Boogie Nights discos with a local disability activities provider.
Apart from bowling and going to the cinema, Simon is into gaming: “I love Call of Duty and Mortal Kombat. My dream is to work in the Game shop!” he says.