The Challenge

One of our first participants on the COMPASS programme was referred to us by the Cornwall Advocacy Service. A family in Bodmin needed some support and direction for their two sons C1 and C2. Both were on the Autistic spectrum. C2 had just started a part time job in a local hotel so wasn’t currently eligible for funded support. For the purposes of anonymity we are referring to the brothers as C1 and C2. 

What we did

Due to the potential difficulties in communication we arranged to meet C1 and his Mum at home. Mum organised all the evidence we needed to prove C1’s eligibility for the programme and supported us while we completed the paperwork, We explained to C1 about the Privacy policy, Complaints and Equal ops and also went into detail about how the programme would benefit him and what he could expect from us by way of support and direction.

C1 appeared to understand but was very reticent about saying anything so his mum really helped and supported C1 during the first meeting.

C1 had been saving for driving lessons and had obtained his provisional licence, he had also sat his first theory test which he did not pass. He and his family had been trying to secure a Driving Instructor for the last 12 months but due to Covid 19 there were no appointments available. So, initially we worked with C1 to produce a good quality CV. We then researched how to get C1 started on his functional skills and gaining a job or placement or apprenticeship within Landscaping – which was his desired career.

During this time, Mum approached us with an issue around C2 that required external intervention due to his vulnerability, we approached the relevant team on the Council with a written report and they called to phone interview us immediately. After some discussion, it was agreed that C2 also needed some intervention. And in addition to this we also managed to get Mum some additional support, as she also has a third child who is non-communicative with severe autism.

In September, C1’s adviser secured a days work trial in a local landscaping company. C1 was very nervous and did not secure the apprenticeship that was on offer, both he and his family were really disappointed.

His adviser started a different approach and purchased some materials for him to be able to start working on a portfolio, C1 took to this well and has started developing landscaping and gardening plans.

In early November, his brother C2, was laid off  and thankfully because of the excellent relationship that has been built up with the family, his Mum contacted us again to sign C2 up to the same programme.

C2 was signed up and we discussed what he wanted to do long term, he gave a choice of Nutrition, Accountancy or working on an Organic Farm. 

The outcome

The current situation is that with a great deal of support, C1 has secured driving lessons starting very soon. Although he is on the Autistic spectrum, he texted his adviser saying Thank you for finding him a driving instructor, noting how many times he had tried to secure this himself with no luck and saying he 100% appreciated the help.

After some research, the adviser found C2 a Level 3 course in Nutrition, we purchased this for him through COMPASS, and he has already started it. He is an avid student and now wants to also look at Homeopathy, so we have agreed to look for this when he has finished the first course. We agreed that the current method of completing the assignments on his phone is not ideal and Mum has said she could find up to £100 for a laptop so we are looking for the best second-hand option for him.

Throughout this whole time, we have worked in a Holistic way, encompassing both Mum and Dad in the support for their sons and keeping them well informed about the programme and Motiv-8 and the ESF funding.

Mum and Dad have been able to support their Sons at ‘arms length’ and they are very happy with how much they have achieved already.

This COMPASS programme is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and supported and managed by CSW group.