Darren is one of the busiest people I know!  He is engaged in many different social groups and in undertaking meaningful activities that help him to live the life he chooses.

Darren has mapped out a plan of what he wishes to accomplish in the coming years.  To reach this point he has undertaken brave steps in meeting new people and trying new things.

Darren plays guitar and is in classes for this in Red Rua in Tallaght, to further enhance his musicality, he is also part of a local inclusive music group in Blue Bell.  

Darren undertook one on one literacy classes in the last few years.  This means that Darren now reads and writes.  This accomplishment in turn means that Darren is enjoying undertaking various lifeskills classes that see him managing his own finances and using an ATM; becoming part of a local library network and also engaging in a computer course in Crumlin college.  As part of plans Darren has about his own independence and helping out at home, Darren is also learning how to cook.

In addition, Darren has become more aware of his own overall health in the last few years.  To this end he is involved in both boxercise and Tai Chi classes.  He finds these activities give him a place for space and to simply be himself!  Darren also loves the fresh air, outdoors and the additional transferable skills he is learning as part of a team in Kildare Equestrian Centre.

Darren also enjoys WALK's respite services which gives him a break away from the norm.

(written from the perspective of Michelle Mason, Team Facilitator, WALK)

I joined Weight Watchers because I was worried about my weight, and getting too heavy. I wanted to lose weight and feel better about myself.

I've been doing the gym more often, walking, running. I've cut out junk food and I drink lots and lots of water.

I keep trying to lose weight by doing the best I can, keep exercising every week to get fit. I am also on a soccer team - we train every Saturday and on Thursday evening go to the gym.

From Tom’s perspective as Barry's keyworker:

Barry has worked really really hard the past 6 months to lose weight. He has stayed motivated throughout. On any week he didn't lose weight or put on weight, he worked extra hard to improve for the following week. Support and motivation has been brilliant from all of Barry's family too.

I have been working on educating Barry about diet and nutrition as well to supplement all his hard work at exercising, to try and get the balance right.