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Simon's Story
Introduction
Simon’s story is a tale of being interwoven into a space and place. He was born into a family rooted in a town, through faith, family and work. He is known and connected to so many people through those bonds of familiarity.
Through a set of circumstances Simon ended up transplanted from all that was familiar. He ended up in a hospital far away from his roots, his community and his connections. His mother fought for his return.
And, since 2008, Simon has been back on familiar ground, in his own home, in St Albans. Casually and deliberately interweaving his days with friends, family and work. The quiet contentedness of being part of, and playing a part in, a community.
The conversation was had with Simon and his support Diane Walker (Locality Manager) who has known him for very many years having started as his support worker. Simon was one of the first people Partners in Support worked with. Simon’s mum was instrumental in ensuring Simon moved out of hospital and into his own home, living near her and the rest of their family.
For understandable reasons Simon found it difficult to talk about some aspects of his life. He was helped in this by the close and caring relationship he has with Diane. Our conversation was conducted online. The words were Simon’s although they were sometimes said by Diane.
Simon is really well known on in St Albans. In part his is because is where he was born and brought up. Simon also had a voluntary employment in a shop for 11 years and is well known through this role.
Simon's Background
Simon has lived in his own house since 2008 before that he lived in St Pauls hospital in Colchester for many years.
Community
Simon’s mum went to Simon’s old social worker Leslie and said that she wanted Simon to be back living nearer to her and the rest of the family, his grandma and his brother .
Simon now contributes in a different way through a volunteering role in the Cross Street café. He knew some of the other volunteers in this café as they are also members of the church group Simon attends.
He also sees his grandma at chapel when she is well enough to attend.
Simon has many friends, some keep contact with via the phone, others come for dinner and celebrations. Talk of important people can be emotional and speaking with Simon raised memories of his dad who had recently passed away. Simon’s dad was a postman for 50 years and was well known by everyone in St Albans.
All the posties went to Simon’s dad’s funeral.
Simon got a little upset at this point. He finds lots of talking difficult and particularly talking about his dad. Diane helped him decide whether he wanted to continue or stop the conversation. Simon wanted to continue talking about how important his dad was
All of this was cast asunder when he was relocated to a hospital far away from all those who love and care about him.
Simon’s mum made sure he came home to the place where he is part of the fabric of the community. His support knows him well and nurtures those connections. The relationship between Simon and Diane is deep and respectful. So close that at times when he finds it difficult, he asks her to share his words for him, such is the bond.
Posties are a community. Some of them have continued to meet up with Simon. Simon’s postie was a friend of his dad. Simon also has a friend who is a priest. He was going to go and visit him in Ireland but unfortunately became unwell and couldn’t make the trip. He has is still making plans with Diane to for this happen. Simon is so rooted in his community. He is surrounded by people who know him and who know his family. His dad’s job as a postie threaded a line of connection through his colleagues into the homes, streets and neighbourhoods across his hometown.
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