Independent, Social and Adventurous Care : Robbie’s Story
Challenging Perceptions of Care
When people think about care, they often picture elderly individuals needing assistance with mobility, memory, and medication.
This is one of the greatest misconceptions about care.
At Abbots Care, we understand that care services are not a one-size-fits-all solution, so we tailor our packages to suit each individual Client’s needs and ambitions.
For our younger Clients, this often means challenging the misconceptions of what care looks like. We support them in living independent, social, and adventurous lives, demonstrating that care isn’t always about doing things for someone but helping them do things for themselves.
Robbie’s Story
Our Client Robbie is in his early 30’s he has an infectious smile, a relentlessly positive attitude, and enjoys going to clubs and music concerts.
He has recently performed at venues throughout Hertfordshire with his theatre group, Purple All Stars, and even featured in Woman’s Weekly magazine with his Care Worker, Shirley, who he has known for 15 years.
We sat down with Robbie to find out more about how Abbots Care supports him to follow his passions.
A Stage for Change
Robbie is part of a theatre group based in Hertfordshire called Purple All Stars, committed to educating, inspiring, and challenging societal perceptions through their music. The group comprises members with learning difficulties, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment for them to voice their thoughts and messages.
Over the years Abbots Care have supported him in taking part by providing transport to the group.
“I love performing in front of people, and I’ve made lots of good friends,” Robbie shared.
Through Purple All Stars, he channels his passion for music, with his favourite piece being ‘TEACH’—an acronym for Timing, Environment, Attitude, Communication, and Help. This song addresses the importance of reasonable adjustments for individuals with learning disabilities.
Kate, a creative practitioner from Herts County Council, leads the Purple All Stars sessions, guiding members in song writing and choreography. She emphasized the importance of their educational messages and how these performances promote positive societal change.
‘We know how important our work is. The Sepsis song highlights some of the key symptoms of the condition, it encourages people to ask the question – ‘could this be Sepsis?’ rather than something else. Asking these questions has saved lives.’
Robbie and Abbots Care
Over the years, Robbie has built a strong connection with his Care Worker, Shirley, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday. They enjoy each other’s company, with card games being one of their favourite shared activities.
In their joint interview for Woman’s Weekly, Robbie and Shirley spoke about their friendship with Robbie telling Shirley that, at aged 90, she can’t retire as ‘he would miss her too much’.
The article beautifully captured the mutual benefit that care can have where Client and Care Worker both thrive in each other’s presence, with Shirley responding to say that Robbie was the ‘main reason she continues to work in care’.
Shirley supports Robbie’s independence, encouraging him to carry out tasks on his own wherever possible and accompanies him to weekly social gatherings for wheelchair users, where they exchange stories, engage in arts and crafts, and play games.
Robbie closed his interview with us by saying the secret to his positivity is about ‘never ever giving up’. This is a motto he lives by and we feel incredibly privileged to support his independence and see his fantastic achievements!
Robbie is looking forward to seeing Afrobeats artist Burna Boy and ‘The Boss’ Bruce Springsteen in London later this year.