"You First helps me live life fully - and on my own terms"
I’m 29 years old and live independently with 24-hoursupport. I’m a very sociable person—I love going to festivals, concerts, and taking trips with friends.
I’ve been supported by You First Support Services CIC for the past four years. Before that, I struggled to find a provider that truly met my needs. My previous live-in support wasn’t right for me—the small staff team affected my independence and put a strain on my relationship with my family.
Since joining You First, things have changed massively. My relationship with my family has improved, and I feel more confident in myself. My support team is stable and reliable, and each staff member brings something unique, which gives me great variety in my day-to-day support.
I’m actively involved in my support—I help interview potential staff and have full control over my rota. I know I’m listened to, and if I ever have concerns, the management team responds.
The training my team receives has given them the skills they need to support me in ways that help me grow and flourish. It’s one of the reasons I’m able to proudly carry out my role as an Oliver McGowan co-trainer ,helping others learn how to better support people like me.
Recently, I’ve enjoyed two incredible holidays—a cruise and a hot tub getaway with a friend. I regularly travel to London and other cities for festivals and concerts with my support team. These experiences mean the world to me.
Eliza