Joan

communication difficulties, encouragement to assert herself,

When Joan first arrived at the Centre she was very quiet - she would attend women's group, but kept her head down, never made eye contact and hardly ever spoke. She has severe mental health problems. She was paralysed by decision making, if you offered her two different things, she simply could not decide. She would always ask permission from staff before doing anything and was very compliant. Our project worker would gently ask and encourage Joan to take part in activities and to talk, but it has been a long, slow process. A big step forward for Joan was on one occasion when she was asked if she would like to join in an activity, she looked up and very politely said, 'No thank you'. This was the first time that Joan had made a decision for herself, instead of just going along with what she thought other people wanted her to do. Now Joan is a keen member of women's group, she takes part in discussions and enjoys some exercises and stretching too. She has been up to the allotment and picked strawberries and put up a hanging basket. She is able to initiate conversation and will raise issues that she is concerned about with staff here. October last year saw a big achievement for Joan - she received an Open College Network award in numeracy. At the Awards Ceremony she looked beautiful, she had chosen a nice outfit, done her hair and her eyes were bright and sparkly. She even chose to say a few words with the microphone, thanking everyone at St Wilfrid's for what they've done for her and saying how much she enjoys coming.

support worker, st wilfrid's centre