Emily's Journey at Futures

When Emily first joined Futures two years ago, she didn’t want to step through the door. Her nerves were through the roof and it took almost two hours for her to come inside. She didn’t speak to anyone; she was very shy, had low confidence and was feeling all sorts of apprehension about the new venture – but she has since flourished in every way possible.

Futures is all about the preparation for adulthood; empowering young adults to take control of their lives and supporting them to achieve their aspirations. Each individual is different, with their own pathway, and it’s important to work with them to create a route to their goals.

The Futures team are passionate about helping Learners, getting to know them and making personalised plans to meet their specific needs. With Emily, they focused on building a strong connection and trust at the beginning of her journey so that she knew they were there to support her and that she could confide in them.

Building relationships and socialising

Once shy, reserved, and reluctant to talk to anyone, Emily now tackles social interactions with a newfound ease. Before, she would struggle in social situations and keep to herself. The team worked with her to improve her social skills and she has since nurtured a warm rapport with everyone at Futures, growing in confidence with her communication, relationships, and even socialising outside of Futures.

Earlier this year, she went nightclubbing for the first time – something that had never been on her radar before. Although anxious at first, she pushed through and stayed for most of the event, and actually enjoyed dancing the night away in the company of her friends and coaches – surprising herself and the team! She has now gained lifelong friendships, a boyfriend, and a robust support network in Futures.

Travelling independently

Public transport can be a huge source of anxiety for many neurodiverse people, with the often loud, overcrowded and fast-moving environments. Emily had always struggled with taking the bus, but after receiving help and encouragement from her coaches to travel to different locations across the local area, she is now able to make those journeys independently. She can meet her friends in town, go to her job, and move through life feeling self-assured and in control.

In fact, she even helps other people to check their phones and find the correct timetables and routes. Her emerging confidence has allowed her kind and helpful nature to shine through.

Tilly, Futures Manager, said: “I would say that Emily is really kind. She always thinks of other people and how she can help them and support them. That's our Learners, our staff, even people on the streets. She saved a rescue dog that had run away from its owner the other day. She's helped little children out and about because she's just a kind person.”

Independent Living

Before Futures, Emily had never been able to stay away from home. The ‘Independent Living Experience’, a part of the learning programme, provided the unique opportunity to experience overnight stays in a safe and comfortable onsite setting with the support of a coach.

The initial feelings of anxiety and worry were prominent as she had never stayed away from her mum and dad. But with the support of her coaches and fellow Learners, she worked hard to embrace the challenge, eventually making it to three overnight stays!

The opportunity to navigate independent living with guidance emboldened Emily with the confidence she needed to take the next step – to move out and into her own flat! What seemed impossible two years ago has become a reality, all thanks to her unwavering drive and a supportive environment in Futures which enabled her to thrive.

Securing a paid job

Work placements are key to the Futures programme, preparing our Learners with practical experience so they can explore their passions and find employment. Emily started her placement at a local ‘Mind’ Charity Shop as she wanted to develop a variety of different skills.

She was keen to be till trained from the very beginning and pushed to make it happen, learning it all in just 10 minutes! Her manager was really impressed with her progress and attitude, and after just a few shifts, left Emily to manage the till by herself. Despite a nervous and shy start, where she would avoid looking up at customers, she steadily grew in confidence and began chatting and interacting with customers with ease.

It was an essential steeping stone into the working world, which enabled her to secure a paid job in Poundland! Now, she has her own source of income and fantastic experience to support her in the future.

An incredible journey

Through her relentless drive and determination, Emily has made incredible strides towards her aspirations and achieved goals that almost seemed impossible before. She has developed an unshakeable self-belief that she can achieve whatever she sets out do, inspiring others with her blossoming confidence and unwavering desire to grow and progress.

Tilly continued, “Emily is one of those Learners who is also inspirational to our other Learners. So lately we've had new people visit who are going to be starting with us in September, and Emily has supported, encouraged and worked with them on so many different levels. We're hoping that Emily will also come back and visit us lots and help the other new Learners because she is an inspiration.”

Futures provided the support she needed to unlock her confidence, navigate challenges and move forwards with her life. She has created beautiful bonds with not just her peers, but the entire Futures team. She leaves us with a powerful example of personal growth and development.

When asked what she would say to her past self, she said: “You’ve done amazing” – and we couldn’t agree more! We are beyond proud of the progress Emily has made and wish her all the best in her next chapter.