People we’ve helped

Here are some examples of people that Better Things has helped and continues to help.

NB: The names of the individuals involved have been changed. The images on this page depict Better Things’ activities and do not relate to the individuals mentioned in the case studies below.

Chris

Chris has autism. When he was under 18, he was a victim of bullying both online and in person. It had a significant effect on his mental health and he developed social anxiety issues. He stopped doing any sociable activities and using social media, which reduced his ability to stay in contact with existing friends and make new ones, and left him very isolated and he began self-harming.

As part of Chris’ transition from youth to adult services, he came to one of Better Things’ activity sessions and found it to be a relaxed, friendly and safe environment. During the session he got to know new people including some who attend the charity’s football practice sessions. The Better Things environment made him feel comfortable enough to try out one of the football sessions and he has never looked back.

Initially, his anxieties meant that he struggled to attend even half a session. Over time his social anxieties have reduced and he now regularly attends football practice and completes whole sessions. Furthermore, he has made new friends that he has lots in common with and chooses to socialise with them after the soccer practices have ended.

Sally

Sally is a young woman who is an elective mute and only has movement in one arm, due to having had a stroke. With help from Better Things and the supportive environment it creates, Sally was able to successfully take part in one of its activity sessions and enjoy it.

She is now a regular participant in the charity’s cricket and netball sessions, despite her reduced mobility, and has become a valued team member. Her self-esteem has dramatically improved in line with her involvement with Better Things.

Greg

Greg has learning disabilities and has repeatedly been the victim of disability hate crime and verbal abuse. He used to attend a day centre regularly which gave him the opportunity to make friends and socialise, however it had to relocate and expanded in size. As a result of his past experiences, Greg didn’t feel comfortable attending the day centre at the new location and he subsequently became much more isolated.

Someone involved with the Better Things ‘Taking Part Project’ suggested he try attending a session because it was a safe and friendly environment. He did so and really enjoyed it.

He became a regular visitor to the charity’s sessions and was able to reconnect with many of his friends who also attend them.

With time and support from the staff at Better Things, Greg’s confidence and self-esteem has grown substantially and he has become a volunteer at the charity. He welcomes new members and helps them to complete their registration and participation information. Greg said: “I enjoy volunteering. I always love it when we have a new member of the group, (I like) introducing them to everybody and just making them feel welcome.”

With help from the Better Things team, he now contributes to the charity’s workshops and presentations talking about his experiences. He has also helped raise awareness of the impact of disability hate crime by talking about his experiences to the wider community.