Jude joined MacIntyre School when he was 11. Now 19, Jude is now a confident and independent young man. His personal growth is down to his hard work and the support of the team around him.
When Jude first started at the school, he felt anxious and relied a lot on routine and structure.
Jude found going to the barber’s stressful, before the pandemic, and with the pause in going while the barbers was shut down, made going back even harder.
With help from his teachers, Melissa and Jules, a plan was developed to help get Jude back into his routine. They found Mason, a local barber who didn’t need pre-booked appointments, which meant no long waits that might make Jude anxious.
On his first visit, everyone made sure Jude was comfortable, so he sat on the floor, and Melissa and Jules sat with him and held his hands to give him reassurance. Little by little, he grew more confident and a routine started to take shape.
Today, he walks into the barber’s on his own, asks for an apron, and sits in the chair without any help. All the steps of a haircut which used to worry him no longer bother him – trimmers, scissors, hair gel, and the hairdryer – and he happily waits for his turn if there are a few people ahead of him.
Mason’s calm and welcoming approach has made a big difference in Jude’s progress. It’s not just Jude who benefits - Mason also helps other young people feel comfortable and confident by visiting them at MacIntyre School for their haircuts.
Jude’s progress isn’t just about practical things like going to the barber; he’s built strong friendships with his classmates. One friendship, in particular, has become really important to him, and through shared fun moments, he’s found a real connection. Jude has a great memory and is genuinely curious about the people around him, which has helped him build lasting relationships.
One of Jude’s most memorable moments was when he took part in the Duke of Edinburgh expedition. At first, the idea of long walks and physical challenges made him anxious but, with the support of his team, and his perseverance, Jude pushed through and finished the challenge. He even spent a night outdoors, which he never thought he’d be able to do. This was a huge achievement for him and a real turning point.
As Jude nears the end of his time at MacIntyre, the focus is now on what comes next. His family and the MacIntyre team are working together to figure out the best option for his future – whether that’s further education or a different path. The aim is to make sure Jude’s routines and relationships stay strong so he can feel settled and confident in whatever happens next. We’ve loved being part of Jude’s life and look forward to hearing where his next steps take him.
