Melanie’s story
Melanie, a 25-year-old with a love for classic films, television programmes, and story writing, felt her life lacked purpose. Spending two days a week at a day centre to build employability skills wasn’t providing the progress she needed, and she found herself frustrated and unsure of her path.
A part-time role at a local primary school had ended in disappointment due to a lack of support, leaving her confidence badly damaged and, most days, confined to her home.
Melanie’s mother, Cath, recalls, “Before we met ECL, life for Mel was very stressful. She had no confidence or motivation, struggled with social skills, and was plagued by anxiety. She often stayed home, disconnected from life, watching DVDs and writing. We were truly concerned about her future as we were getting older.”
When a well-informed friend suggested reaching out to ECL for support, Cath and Mel met Katie from ECL’s Community Connector programme, a service designed to help adults with learning disabilities and/or autism in Essex gain meaningful experiences and connections within the community. They discovered that through this initiative, people like Mel can grow in confidence and independence, gaining practical skills for life.
Katie saw potential in Mel straightaway and identified Level Best Art Café, a community project in Colchester, as an ideal setting for her to explore her talents, build confidence, and improve social and employability skills. Katie liaised with Mel’s social worker to secure and fund a place for Mel at the café. It was here that Mel’s enthusiasm for hospitality blossomed, and after just six months, she felt ready to take on a voluntary role.
Katie contacted ‘Food For Thought’, a community-focused café and events business in Harwich, where Mel was warmly welcomed. Now volunteering one day a week with hopes of adding a second day soon, Mel has mastered an impressive array of responsibilities, from food preparation and customer service to managing the till. Reflecting on her experience so far, Mel shared, “I absolutely love it; it’s my favourite day of the week.”
Her manager, Amy, noted, “At first, Mel was shy and a little anxious, but she soon grew in confidence and is now a valued team member. We’re thrilled to have her.”
Since meeting Katie, everything has improved. I’m more confident, travelling to work independently, and even making new friends.
For both Mel and her mother, the impact has been transformative. Cath said: “Mel is far more resilient to unexpected events, communicates well with the public, and walks more, so she is much more active. She now has direction in her life, and for the first time, we’re even discussing the possibility of her living more independently.”
Katie, the Community Connector, is delighted with Mel’s achievements. “All she needed was an opportunity to regain her skills and independence in a supportive environment where she could flourish. Mel is progressing brilliantly, and I’m confident it won’t be long before we can introduce her to ECL’s Inclusive Employment service, where she can take her next steps towards paid work.”
Mel and her mother are both profoundly grateful for the support they have received. “Katie has helped me so much,” Mel said with a smile. Cath echoed her thanks: “The support from the ECL Community Connector team has been phenomenal. I cannot thank them enough.”