Trudy is mother of Guideposts member Gareth, and told us about his development, her worries, and hopes for the future.

“Since Gareth started at Guideposts Dig’n’Grow, he’s never looked back. He’s learned so much, and he’s very happy there. It is like his second home because it is so friendly, it’s as if every project manager becomes his second mother.

Gareth and I moved to the UK from Zimbabwe in 2010, when he was in his early 30s. While he thrived in Zimbabwe – even winning medals at the Special Olympics – it was time for us both to leave. Luckily we had family connections that allowed us to come to the UK, and my daughter was already settled here.

Before coming to Guideposts, Gareth had been attending another centre in the area, but his interest in being more hands-on and learning new skills drew him to Dig’n’Grow. At Dig’n’Grow he has learned gardening skills, but what he loves doing is woodwork. His father was an experienced woodturner and he likes to follow in his footsteps.

For Gareth, having a purpose is crucial: whether to water the plants, or to be there for the other service members.

If someone is unhappy, he will go and cheer them up and make them smile.

Over the years Gareth has gained so much confidence. At one stage when you talked to him, he used to say something, and then stop. Not for just a second or so, but for a long time. He found it very hard to tell you something. This morning when he brought me coffee, he had so much to say, and could say it all, because he’s grown so confident now.

If I told his brothers that, they wouldn’t believe me. They haven’t seen him since we left Zimbabwe. He is a changed person.

I’m always impressed with each achievement and skill Gareth learns, however incremental. Recently, he independently cooked a frozen pizza pocket for the first time – while I was out, which was a little alarming!

Also at a wedding this year, I didn’t see Gareth all night. I found him in his element, talking and dancing with different groups of people, . He wouldn’t have done that five years ago. It’s quite an achievement.

What do you worry about?

Gareth is very trusting. If somebody says to him, let’s go over there and talk, he’ll just do it.

I’m also not going to be here forever, so I’m working on finding him a supported living place now. I thought maybe he wouldn’t accept it, but his confidence is at the point now, where he knows that he can do it.

The only times he’s slept away from home have been brief stays with his sister, and once he went on a trip to a caravan park. It mostly went well, but he didn’t understand what’s appropriate away from home, so that after his shower he just streaked through the caravan! It’s all part of his ongoing learning process.

Guidepost has had such a positive impact on Gareth, the hope is that he can continue to attend while in supported living, because I think without somewhere like Dig’n’Grow he wouldn’t be happy.

I’m actually dreading the day that he moves out. But this morning he said

“Mom, I’ve got to go forward. I’ve got to do this myself”.

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