We have seen some remarkable results and heard inspiring success stories from our autistic adults and adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs since lockdown eased and our centres reopened.

Teamwork Trust closed its centres in Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough at the end of March 2020, and responded in record time to create a successful programme of remote and online support.

One service-user was Charlotte, who lives in a local supported living care home and attends Teamwork’s Kettering centre. She says Teamwork’s support gave her real hope and focus – she intends to build on that now she is back. She is even hoping to start a college course.

“It was a lot to take in when we first went into lockdown as it took me away from my usual routine,” said Charlotte.

“When we were told we couldn’t go out I had to find other things to do to fill my time and Teamwork Trust helped. They would send me activity packs which I found so informative and interesting, and they’d constantly call me to check I was doing ok.

"I loved doing the wordsearches, reading and writing, and then telling them what I had done. I am autistic and have bipolar, so it gave me a great focus and made me feel happy.”

It wasn’t always easy, and Charlotte admits there were times she felt demotivated and anxious.

“I would also use Teamwork’s Facebook channel to stay in touch with staff, and so when I was feeling a bit low, I would message them. I was very supported the whole time through lockdown by Teamwork, and my care home and family too. They all helped me overcome my worries.”

Charlotte says she was so excited to return to Teamwork and that coming back is everything she had imagined it would be.

“It is brilliant being back. I have missed everyone so much. I feel very safe when I am here and I really like the way staff check our temperatures and get us to wash our hands a lot – I don’t feel at all worried about returning.

“In fact, now I am back I feel like I want to do so much more. I want to go to college or uni one day to study nursing as I feel like I want to help others in the way that people have helped me. People like the staff at Teamwork. I want to learn new things and do lots of courses. There’s been lots of really positive things to have come out of lockdown for me. I have never felt so motivated.”

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