Finding the light at the end of the tunnel and a new found confidence after the dark days of lockdown for one young man

Will Campbell

Like so many people, the pandemic and the lockdown which followed took its toll on Will. Will who is 23 years old has Downs Syndrome. As a result of lockdown his confidence was really dented. He became unable to do the things he would have perhaps normally have been doing. Life had been constrained and opportunities taken away. He really needed coping skills and encouragement to speak clearly and concisely, as he had done previously

His mum Gerri highlighted; “Will started with Lorna with a 1 to 1 session, which is was what he needed to help build his confidence and to support him. Lorna would work very much at his speed and was quick to notice when something wasn’t working and would change her plan. She then recommended that Will was ready to join a group and he works well with Paul who Lorna matched him up with, allowing him to build his social skills back up too.”

Gerri continues; “ I think after just one month we noticed his confidence had really improved but then other people started noticing too which was great and a huge boost for his self-esteem and it helped to reduced our worries. He is now definitely happy to interact with people and have conversations and his interactions have hugely improved. Will also now speaks often on FaceTime with his brother and sister, who both live in London, and other people he meets and interacts with have commented about the change they have seen with him, which is really comforting.

Will had retreated into a shy and introverted young man. His time with Lorna has seen Will emerge from his shell and he has grown in confidence and is willing to try new things. What is also encouraging is that he is now happy to express how he is feeling, which he had stopped doing, and was worrying for his family. The relationship he has with Lorna is very special, which has helped his engagement."

Will's therapy helped to support his social communications skills through Alex Kelly's 'Talkabout' program. This program starts by supporting the individual's self-esteem and self-awareness before progressing onto body language, conversation skills, friendship skills and finally assertiveness. This program is suitable for all ages, is evidence based and has proven effectiveness. If you or a loved one would benefit from this type of support, please do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss.