Sophie’s story

I started to get support from United Response about two years ago. Being supported by United Response has been amazing because I can live a better life.

The staff have helped me. Two years ago I lost my Mum to cancer, and staff check in with me here to make sure I’m okay. On Mother’s Day, I am going to make a card for my service.

I like to do lots of things. I love arts and crafts, and making things. I made a poster to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. I also like to go out for activities like bowling, and sometimes we go out for lunches. As well as this, I go to a local Day Centre where I get to go to a relaxation group, a choir, and a woman’s group, where we will share what’s on our mind. I have met some good people at the Day Centre, and the choir has helped me with my confidence. I also recently got engaged to my fiancé!

I love parties and doing karaoke and things like that! We do this a lot in our services. I also go on lots of trips with United Response. I’ve been to Skegness and York. York was amazing because it’s where they filmed my favourite movie, Harry potter!

I have a disability called Down’s Syndrome. Down’s Syndrome is a disability that people are born with. If you’ve not heard of Down’s Syndrome you can find out more about it by going online and searching for it. It’s World Down Syndrome Day soon and it’s really nice that people around the world will be celebrating together.

My proudest achievement is being here. If I feel down, the staff will always make me happy. I would recommend United Response to anyone because the staff are amazing, wonderful and kind. I’ve got lots more new friends now and being with my support worker Richard has changed me. He’s really caring.

If I were to describe United Response in three words I’d pick “better for me”.

Richard’s story

When Sophie first moved here it was a big change but she has become more independent and she has more of a routine now. I’m proud of Sophie because she has come a long way since moving here. She also gets out there and does stuff and tries lots of new things. It’s nice to see her achieving things.

Sophie is a kind and caring person, and really enthusiastic. If something doesn’t go the way she planned it won’t stop her from trying again and going again.

I’ve been in United Response for four years now. When I was younger I studied performing arts and travelled and gained lots of different experiences. A lot of people used to say that I was suited to social care because I am a really caring person. It has been nice to settle and take on a role where I can make a positive impact on people’s lives, something which I think is really important.

The best bit of my job is being able to come to work each day and be part of something special. It’s a rewarding job, and its nice to be able to see the impact we have on people’s lives. I’m proudest of the difference we make. 

On World Down Syndrome Day we want to create awareness. We want to be united, create awareness and feel included. On the day, we’ll be having a tea party, and sharing Easy Read information. Me and Sophie will also be doing a duet at the party, and Sophie will be singing a solo called ‘This is me’. I’m proud of how we will be celebrating the day.

  • Ali Mills is Communications and Engagement Officer at United Response