Case study: learning disability and improving your mental wellbeing

After losing his seasonal job at Chessington World of Adventures as a result of the Covid pandemic, Alan Booth, a 34-year-old man from New Malden, struggled with his mental wellbeing.

He was living in a shared house, but with too much time on his hands, he felt isolated, like so many people with a learning disability did during that time, and his mood became very low.

“After losing my volunteering role, I had a lot of free time on my hands. I was not in a good place,” he said.

Alan has been supported by the learning disability charity Hft Surrey’s Outreach Team for the last 10 years, who had identified that his mental health was suffering.

Working in partnership with Alan, the team discussed ways of assisting him in improving his well-being and helping him plan his future. With Hft’s assistance and guidance, Alan was able to move into new supported living accommodation in July 2023.

After settling into his new home and with the continued support of his Hft key worker, Martin O’Neil, Alan started to rebuild his life.

Learning disability and the importance of meaningful activities

It has long been recognised that person-centred support helps to enable people with a learning disability to engage in meaningful activity and relationships as active participants, exercising more control over their lives and experiencing greater levels of inclusion, independence and choice.

Alan now volunteers at Hft Surrey’s New Malden Day Centre on its reception desk two days a week, completing all the necessary Hft training and e-learning courses. He has also taken up fishing, and as he loves music, he now DJs at the discos held at the day centre each Thursday afternoon.

“I am happier in my new home and love volunteering at the day centre. I love meeting new people and having new experiences,” said Alan. “My life is now a lot better. I feel like I have really turned a corner. I am thinking positive and keeping my mind busy.

“I don’t think I could have got this far without the support of Hft. The charity has always been there for me. Martin has been a constant, relaxing and calming influence on me. He has helped me reduce the stress in my life and take on new hobbies.”

Alan also now has a girlfriend, Lucy Ann. After meeting at a local social club, the pair started dating on Valentine’s Day. “She’s great,” he adds. “We like spending time together, watching films and cooking for one another.”

Alan also hopes to move into paid employment and is keen to give back to the charity that has helped him.  “One day I’d like to be a support worker for Hft,” said Alan. I want to support others in the way I have been and help change their lives for the better.”

Trip to Buckingham Palace

In recognition of his achievements, Alan was invited to attend the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May, hosted by the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate.

“It was a real honour to be invited to Buckingham Palace,” said Alan. “It is a day I will never forget. I saw Kate and I waved at her – and she waved back.”

He attended with Martin where the pair enjoyed soaking up the palace gardens, music from a brass band and a buffet lunch.

Martin said: “Alan is a joy to be around. “He is very energetic and is really helpful around the day centre – there’s nothing he won’t do. It’s been a lot of hard work on his part, but he’s really turned his life around.”

Alison Bloomer

Alison Bloomer is Editor of Learning Disability Today.

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