When we first met Jack, he struggled to control his crippling anxiety. As a result of refusing support for several years, Jack no longer took care of himself and his relationships with his family were deteriorating at an alarming rate.
When Jack met Darren, a Support Worker from MacIntyre in Hampshire, things began to change.
Getting to know Jack, Darren spent time identifying what made him anxious. It was here that Darren realised the true scale of these anxieties and the impact it was having not only on Jack's life but those around him too.
Enter: ‘wins'.
Thinking on his feet, Darren introduced the concept of 'wins'; a creative way to support Jack to reach small goals in his day.
Darren said:
"Wins’ are anything that goes above and beyond the average day for Jack. For example, Jack runs his own bath, Jack washes himself, Jack drinks a smoothie that I make. ‘Wins’ were exactly what Jack needed. He thrived on them."
At first, the pair tackled Jack's hygiene. Establishing a routine, Jack's health began to improve which resulted in Jack taking pride in his appearance for the first time in years.
Darren and Jack also worked together to introduce healthy eating and take on Jack's smoking. Using wins and other rewards, Jack went from smoking 20 cigarettes a day to using a vape instead; a vast improvement.
Using the concept of wins, Jack overcame his emotions and anxieties and agreed to go on a holiday to Devon, supported by Darren. Once again, he achieved so much more than he ever thought he would.
Time, consistency and patience proved a perfect combination for Jack as he agreed to go on holiday several more times, even taking on a camping trip, despite feeling terrified by the idea at first.
But the ultimate 'win' for Jack? Public Transport. Alone.
After repeatedly sharing he wanted to go to the Bournemouth Air Show when the morning of the show came, Jack found himself unable to go. Overcome with anxiety, Jack opted to stay home, leaving Darren to go on the train alone.
Moments into the journey, Darren received a phone call...it was Jack. Frustrated with himself for not coming, he announced he had changed his mind. But it was too late; Darren had already boarded the train and was heading straight to Bournemouth.
Armed with encouraging words from Darren, Jack took the biggest leap of faith in his life so far: he made the journey on the train to Bournemouth and down to the beach for the air show...alone. This was a first for Jack and something he would have never had enough confidence to do beforehand.
Speaking about Jack's journey, Darren added:
"This was a man that had not had any support for years and could not even talk about trains and buses without getting anxious. In the space of 6 months, he had not only conquered his fear of busy places but built up the courage to travel on a busy train, full of air show spectators. He then got off the train and on to a crowded bus, again, full of spectators. What a fantastic achievement!"
To find out more about our support in Hampshire see other news items below or use the form to contact us.
