Gill and Janine

Gill - I love seeing Janine settled in her own home and her interaction with all aspects of housekeeping, I find it very rewarding to see Janine living independently. Since working for United Response I have gained confidence in supporting somebody who is less mobile and feel rewarded by seeing Janine happy.

Janine - Gill is nice and really good at cooking, I love her pizza! I like living on my own and feel more independent, I like taking part in the activities and adore my two cats. I loved having my pictures taken and liked the way people spoke to me I liked the way I was dressed as I bought a new top for the day. I loved being there with Gill

Mave and DB

Mave - I’ve supported DB to attend many demonstrations both locally and nationally. Recent demonstrations have included support for refugees, support for the NHS and a demonstration in response to Donald Trump’s immigration policies in the US.

What I enjoy most about supporting DB to demonstrations is witnessing DB’s passion and determination for a better and more compassionate world.

I began working with DB 17 years ago - it was my first job in support work. The job advert in a local newspaper which I responded to was written by DB himself and this is what initially caught my eye. Meeting DB for the first time instantly changed my view of support work. DB talked about his interests and his passion for making a positive difference to the world around him. During the first few days of me starting work, DB told me that he was specifically looking for a new worker with no previous experience as he wanted someone who he could train up/educate himself. If I did have preconceived idea about what support work was then DB quickly put that idea to the test!

One of the many things I love about my job is that each day I arrive on shift I only have a vague idea about what kind of day lies ahead. I love the spontaneity of the job.

DB - I like how Mave works and how he embraces the ‘social model of disability’ approach to his work with me. This is something really important to me.

Mave has always been very supportive with my passion for fighting for my rights by making sure I am able to take part in not only the demonstration itself but also planning them!

One of the funny things we both laugh at a lot is my bad sense of direction! Sometimes we might be out in Mave’s car and he asks me if we need to take a right or left turn and I usually direct us both in completely the wrong direction. I don’t do this on purpose of course!