It is going to be very difficult to express the emotions I experienced when I first met Mike in just a paragraph, there were so many. I warmed to his beautiful smile, I felt so appreciative when he took hold of my hand and took me to see his room letting me know that he wanted to spend time with me on our own. Instant trust is the word I am looking for. I felt so lucky that I had been chosen to advocate and visit a man that has so much to give to the world with his great sense of humour, his gentleness. I very quickly felt after a couple of visits that Mike and I were going to be Buddies and look out for each other.

I was introduced to Mike by the Dorset Advocacy Group with the support of Mike’s house staff which has always been there if it was needed. Michael Pochin stayed with us for the first meeting, which made me feel confident that if I at any time felt unsure of myself I had some back up. 

M has difficulties being out in open spaces. I have had difficulties coaxing Mike to come to the swimming pool with me or spend any time outside. I am receiving support and guidance from the staff that support Mike with his daily living needs.

The feeling that someone is as pleased to see me as I am to see them. When Mike walks up to me with a big smile on his face, takes hold of my hand and walks me off to where he wants us to go. The hugs when we say good bye, the flower heads he gives me that he has helped himself to from some persons garden that he happens to be passing. The way he signs my name when he saw me when the centre bus went by where I used to work.

It would be wonderful to be able to take or be with Mike when he is having a holiday.
To be able to win Mike’s trust enough to take him to visit the other members of the family in their homes. 
To be able to watch what T.V. and videos I like without Mike changing channels and laughing until I give in and let him have his choice. I look forward to being with Mike for some time to come.

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