September 2014
We have been with Adults Supporting Adults (ASA) since 2008, we joined the scheme when a family member from Nottingham told us how rewarding the work was. I was also at the point in my life where I wanted to give something back and give someone an opportunity to live with a family. We contacted Lincolnshire County Council and they put us in touch with ASA. I made the call to ASA and spoke to a very friendly member of staff who made an appointment to come and visit Denise and I at home.
Jackie was very friendly and welcoming she told us more about ASA and the work they do. She explained the assessment process and the level of commitment needed to become an extended stay provider, including the training Denise and I would need to complete. We were able to ask lots of questions and were given time to decide whether the scheme would be right for us. We chose to proceed with the assessment to become extended stay providers as felt we had lots to offer, we had space in our home and the time to support someone to become as independent as possible.
Since then our lives have altered quite dramatically. We are both very involved in supporting the gentleman that lives with us and have seen him achieve so much. He is now at college full time and is enjoying new opportunities. We have totally adapted to the responsibility of being a provider and have enjoyed getting to know one another and learning how to live together has been interesting at times, but fun!!! We have supported our client through some difficult situations but the support from ASA has always been there to help us with this. As a couple we receive monthly supervision to discuss any issues or concerns we may have, the training is ongoing and relevant to the role as provider. We know there is always someone at the end of the phone which is reassuring and when ASA say they will ring you back, they always do.
We have grown in confidence as providers and now offer our home to other clients who come and visit us for short breaks. This is very rewarding as each people brings something different. I would urge anyone who has the space in their home and some time to offer to give ASA a ring and find out more about the scheme.
Colin and Denise Smith
