Hello. My name is Ben and I live in North Somerset. For this year’s Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week, I wanted to share how I’ve been learning to use technology to connect with people.

Josh has been working for Brandon for two and a half years. Starting as a support worker, he describes his journey from teacher training to social care.

Over the last year Jon has expanded his horizons, even at a time when we have had our freedoms and activities restricted. Through a care plan created by his Team Leader, Paula Bolter, and agreed with his sister, Jon’s support workers have helped him feel more confident and less anxious. Paula explains more in this insightful blog.

I’ve been working for Brandon for three years as a support worker. What appealed to me was the supported living style of support Brandon provides in the community which was suited to my background.

Inspired by the stories shared during Mencap’s Learning Disability Work Week last week (9-15 November), Lucy, who we support in North Somerset, got in touch to tell us about being employed and what it means to her.

Many months into the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been reflecting on the incredible resilience of the people I work with at Brandon. In my role as Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Advanced Practitioner, I have daily contact with multiple Brandon support teams, as well as hearing about their work from other members of the PBS team. The dedication of the people providing direct support, and the incredible response of people we support to the most difficult of situations, has been nothing short of inspirational.