The benefits of an effective supported living service

A South Norwood supported living service from Care Management Group (CMG), set up for the benefit of adults with learning disabilities, has transformed the life of Morris Walters (pictured above) thanks to the new life skills he has been able to develop.

The care and support team at Avenue Road, South Norwood, have helped Morris to further his social and communication skills, while allowing him to practice daily chores such as cooking, budgeting for meals and organising shopping lists.

Diagnosed with autism and on occasion displaying challenging behaviour, Morris, 45, has now successfully gained his first employment, working two days a week at the CMG Head Office in Wimbledon, while also being confident enough to take the tram to work.

The Avenue Road team are delighted with Morris’s new approach to life and the inspiration he has proven for other adults with a learning disability. Deputy service manager Joanna Sengendo commented:

“Morris has done amazingly well to make so much progress in such a short period of time. He is a great role model to have around, and has helped to motivate the other residents at Avenue Road.

“Positive communication has been key in helping Morris overcome the barriers he faced before, and he has really flourished since he moved in here.”

Speaking of his experience since first registering with the supported living service: Morris Walter said:

“I really enjoy living at Avenue Road and I have lots of friends here. I didn’t like getting the tram before, but now I use it to get to work in Wimbledon and I really like my job.

“I’ve had a great time learning to cook and I love making meals for the staff and residents – my favourite is duck in black bean sauce with egg fried rice.”

CMG operate a range of services to support adults with learning disabilities and other mental health related conditions, based largely in London and the South of England, with branches also in the East Midlands, Norwich and South Wales.