autismcornwall

A new cafe in Truro is offering training for people with a learning disability and/or autism who feel ostracised from their local community and work opportunities.
Chaos is a community interest company (CIC) and social trading arm of the care and support agency, Stayathome Limited. It was set up to help disadvantaged people by improving their employment and social skills and giving them greater confidence.
Chaos,  which stands for ‘Community Helping All of Society’, is based at the former NHS centre, on Tregolls Road and consists of a cafe with an arts and crafts area. It also runs a small holding, with six horses, based on the Roseland peninsula.
Green Light’s, Gemma Thomas with Kylie William’s, Chaos Operations Manager.
Babs Rounsevell, one of four directors at Stayathome Ltd,  said the project aims to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in society and to break down cultural barriers, adding: “It intends to do this through highlighting each individual’s unique skills and …

It was a journey that took meticulous planning and one that fulfilled a young man’s long-awaited ambition. Hugo had been asking to travel to France for many years and this May his wish finally came true thanks to the efforts of his support workers, Gavin Bastian and Simon Fox. 

Hugo, a young man with autism, has a particular interest in history, tanks, and the two World Wars. Fearful that a trip abroad would prove too much for their son, Jill and Pat had held off from travelling in the past. But Simon and Gavin were determined to prove that it was possible, covering every scenario, ensuring the five day excursion by car, train and ferry was well planned and designed to meet Hugo’s individual needs.
Hugo getting up close to one of the guns during his trip to France
Hugo’s mother admitted it was a journey that left her feeling nervous, but also pleased that her son was fulfilling his wish: “We had a lot of confidence in his support team, they’re excellent care staff. We were very nervous …

At 24, Jabe Norman is Green Light’s youngest Registered Manager. Jabe joined the company as it formed and was with a handful of others during our first induction in early 2011.  Since then Jabe has taken advantage of opportunities to learn, grow and develop within the company, helping Green Light establish its reputation in Cornwall.
 Jabe Norman (centre back row), with new team members, Charley (front left), Sarah, Barrie (back left) and Josh.

He now leads the team at Fairfield House, near Portreath, on the North coast of Cornwall.  The home has proven to be very popular with local families in need of short breaks for adults with autism. “We use our local environment to our advantage at Fairfield.  We use the beaches, go on coastal walks and bike rides.  The home has a wonderful atmosphere, it is a great place to work.”

Jabe Norman

Having joined the social care sector six years ago Jabe has seen many changes in the way care is provided: “When I started out, with another care provider,…

A person’s life skills, interests and hobbies all come into play when supporting people with challenging behaviour. While quality training and care experience are important, often it’s those staff, who are new to the sector, who bring with them a ‘can do’ attitude, creating different approaches using their knowledge and experience to improve people’s quality of life.  Huthnance Park, near Helston, provides care and accommodation to four people with  autism.

Huthnance Park Manager, Hannah Musto.


The home is laid out as three spacious flats, with a separate modern bungalow, each with their own garden, within the extensive grounds and gardens.  Each person has a regular ‘core team’ created from the wider team of 18, offering consistency and the ability to respond flexibly to any swaps, changes or cover needed.

Newly appointed manager, Hannah Musto, praised her team of support workers, who provide round-the-clock care: “Each day is different. I have been blown away by the staff’s energy and …