When Rose first started coming to our Aspire hub she had anxiety and found new situations or experiences quite difficult. Now, Rose is brimming with joy and confidence, living life to the full. It is a pleasure to support her on her life journey towards experiencing a life that many of us take for granted.
Hello, my name is Rosemary, but I like to be called Rose.
I was born in Withington Hospital, where my mum and dad worked at the time.
I am a very shy person, I would not speak to anyone, not even family members. I would only say hello and that was it, nothing more. I think I was shy because I am autistic.
I was shocked when I found out I was autistic. I always wondered why I had bad coordination. I can read fine, but I can’t walk or even write straight, I thought it was just me.
I am hopeless at maths or problem solving. I also find it difficult to look at you when you talk to me, which is why I look down all the time and do not give you eye contact. I find it difficult to regulate my emotions, when I cry, I can cry for up to three to four hours until I shake. I have sensitive hearing and a fear of stairs and double-decker buses.
I have a very good memory for times, places, dates, and people. I don’t like Bonfire Night because it reminds me of when my dad and I got caught up in the Manchester bomb in 1995. I can feel the dust and the glass in my hand as if it were happening all over again. I am very tactile and love to touch wrapping paper, cling film, foil, and bubble wrap. I don’t know why, I just do.
I went to a mainstream school, where I was bullied. I was very lonely and didn’t make any friends. I wouldn’t leave the house. Mum and Dad tried to encourage me, but I found it easier to just stay in. I had no friends and never understood why. I thought I was a nice person. I used to make up illnesses so I could go home from school.
My mum became ill and passed away in 2015. She had Alzheimer’s. I looked after her for seven years, I was her carer. Then Dad became ill and couldn’t get out of bed. I looked after him for the last four weeks of his life.
I moved in with my auntie and uncle, where I stayed for nine months. This was the beginning of my journey, as I had lived in my family home all my life.
I first attended Aspire in June 2022. I didn’t talk to anyone, it was hard to meet so many new people. But I settled into the routine and began enjoying my activities, thanks to Laura, my support worker, and Martin who works on reception.
I moved into my new flat on December 30th, where I have minimal support. I was distraught, lonely, and unhappy when I first moved in. I think I cried for two weeks before I began to settle down, this was the first time I had lived on my own.
What has Aspire done for me? Well, I have learned lots of new skills since coming here. I love to take part in arts and crafts, music, and drama. Everyone is so fun to be around and has brought out the confidence in me. I go out on community visits and take part in the forum, where we talk about what we would like to do in future and how we can make Aspire even better. I like to give my ideas to the group and offer my opinions about what I think should happen for myself and others.
I did try other activities, but they weren’t for me. I wanted to see my friends at Aspire and didn’t want to miss out. I wanted to have fun with my friends. I didn’t have many reasons to smile before, but my friends make me laugh, and I love that. I have friends now! Friends who I think look out for me when I become sad, which can happen when I think of my family. I think I need to talk about it even though I can become upset. I am no longer a hermit, I go out shopping with my auntie and uncle (mostly clothes shopping). I go to Manchester Cathedral on Sundays and meet a friend for a meal out. Life is more positive for me now.
You asked me how coming to Aspire has affected my life. Well, I really enjoy my life now. I have become more assertive about what happens to me, and I like it! It has changed my life for the better. I will never stop going unless someone stops me. I want to come here forever! I am more positive and don’t look at life with a negative outlook. Before, I always found life so difficult, but now it is so much better. I can still struggle, but I have plenty of friends who protect me and make me feel safe.
I have been given a voice. I never used to talk, but now people can hear me. I think I’m happy.
Thank you for reading Rosemary’s life journey. We hope it has given you insight into her life and the positive changes she has experienced.
