Living independently with the right support: Garry's story

How Affinity Trust support workers helped me build a happier, more independent life

Hello, my name is Garry, and I'd like to share my story about the last year of my life.

Before I moved into my new home, I felt very low living alone. I started to withdraw and would often go out, even when I didn't want to, because I didn't want to be by myself in my flat.

I spoke to my Affinity Trust support workers, and an opportunity came up to move into a shared supported living home with my friend. My support workers helped me pack and move, and although I found it overwhelming at times, especially sorting through my belongings and getting rid of things I no longer needed, they reassured me that everything would be okay.

I like to be as independent as possible, so I wanted to do as much as I could myself. My support workers encouraged me to do this while being there whenever I needed them. Moving day was busy and very hot, but they praised me throughout the day for how well I managed everything.

Since moving into my new home, I am much happier. I laugh a lot more and look forward to every day. I take great pride in my home and enjoy keeping it clean and tidy. My friend and I watch films together, listen to music and spend time together, which has made a big difference to my life.

Every Wednesday, we run a club from our home called Happy Hour Club, which I help organise with support from staff. It's one of my favourite parts of the week. We enjoy all sorts of activities, especially painting and colouring, which I love. My friends come along each week, and we chat, laugh, take part in activities and share a meal and dessert together.

Before everyone arrives, I help prepare by setting the table, getting the craft activities ready, making sure there are drinks and cups available, and putting on some music. Sometimes we have karaoke, so I bring downstairs my karaoke machine and set it up. I really enjoy singing, and I like everyone to have a good time.

We've tried lots of new things together. We've had themed days where we tasted food from different countries and danced to different music. One of my favourites was "Say Something Nice Day." The staff helped us make a little tree where we hung messages saying kind things about each other. That made me feel really happy. It's wonderful to have fun with my friends.

After I settled into my new home, I decided I wanted to go on holiday to Blackpool. My support workers helped me plan the trip and supported me while I was there. I had a fantastic time visiting the zoo, Sea Life Centre, the circus and Madame Tussauds. I spent time looking around the shops, walked along the seafront, enjoyed fish and chips, and took in the view of the sea.

The hotel had bingo and live entertainment every evening, which I really enjoyed, along with a glass of Baileys. One evening, I even sang karaoke. My support worker filmed me and played it back afterwards, which made me smile.

Before my holiday, I celebrated my 70th birthday with a limousine ride and a meal at a pub that I chose with my friends. When I came home from Blackpool, my friends surprised me with another birthday party, and we all had a brilliant time.

Looking back, I have had a wonderful year. Thanks to the right support, I feel happier, more confident and more independent than ever before. I have enjoyed so many new experiences, made wonderful memories with my friends and look forward to many more happy times ahead.