I was first referred to COVEY at the age of 19. At this point in my life, I was having trouble getting out of the house and socialising. I am partially sighted, which means travelling independently is difficult for me, so I often rely on other people if I want to go anywhere.

When my support first began with COVEY, I had no confidence. My time at primary and secondary school had been difficult. My autism meant that I was often misunderstood and I never felt like I got the support I needed.

I began my journey with COVEY in a one-to-one befriending match. The support I got at COVEY was different to the support I’d had at school. It was way more personal and designed around my needs, rather than those of a whole class.

Going out and doing seemingly simple things really helped me develop my confidence. Before I was supported by COVEY, I’d never done things like order a drink in a café. With time, I started doing these things by myself.

I’d go out walking a lot with my befriender. We’d walk and talk and I began to develop an interest in how exercise made me feel good and helped my mental health. This is something I still carry with me today. Being with COVEY also helped rekindle my love of arts and crafts!

As my confidence continued to grow, my befriender suggested that I’d be good at volunteering. She helped me settle into a voluntary role at a local nursery. To begin with, she would take me along and be by my side in the nursery until I’d finished. Gradually, she’d be less involved until eventually I was being dropped off and picked up and volunteering without her. I volunteered there for almost a year and a half and it really fuelled my passion for helping children.

I became particularly interested in helping children with additional needs. I wanted to be the support for them that I never felt I got as a child. Volunteering with COVEY’s Clydesdale ANGELS group seemed like the perfect fit. I’ve been volunteering there for over a year now and I really love getting to know all the young people. They teach me a lot about myself. They tell me I’m understanding and easy to talk to, and that makes me feel really good. I love being part of the group and interacting with young people who are experiencing the same issues I did when I was their age.

I’ve now completed 4 years at college, gaining qualifications in Life Skills and Employability, Ready to Retail and Pathways to Care. I now have a job as a taxi escort for children with additional support needs, which I really enjoy.

COVEY has taught me a lot. I've learned that I like working with children and in groups and that I have something meaningful to offer them and my colleagues. I'm proud of myself for what I’ve achieved through COVEY. It's helped to change me as a person, made me more confident. Even though there are still things I need help with, I'm more comfortable and accepting of that.

Without COVEY, my life would never have changed for the better. I’d still be stuck at home, feeling isolated and feeling like I couldn’t do anything for myself. Now, I have lots of experience, qualifications and a job. I’ve noticed such a change in myself.