Out There Support

My name is Russell Pember, I am a self-employed support worker providing support for young people and adults in South-East Cornwall and Plymouth.
I like to provide support that is interesting and stimulating, constructive hands on activity work with individuals developed around their interests and abilities and developing skills and confidence through new experiences, learning new skills, new challenges and channelling their energy.
People with autism tend to find face to face conversation painful but when doing an activity talking comes more naturally! As an example I have been working 4hrs a week for the past year with a 16yr old lad who is autistic. We are presently building a motorbike together, previously we have built a mountain bike and have gone cycling, hiking on the moors and exploring, quad biking, a tour around a motorcycle dealership and even panning for gold on Dartmoor! I have provided similar support for young people in various settings over the years.
My background is varied, I am a degree qualified Youth Worker and have worked either as a youth worker or a support worker for over 20 years. I have also completed an outward bound qualification, an NVQ2 in Activity Leadership with included hiking, sailing, kayaking & canoeing, windsurfing, climbing etc
Here is a list of suggestions of potential activities I could offer either by myself or in conjunction with other organisations:
Cycling – I have knowledge of various safe initial cycle routes or more challenging routes depending on skill level. I can provide a tricycle if balance is an issue – must have helmet
Walking – various routes, safe initial routes, more adventurous, moors, coast, train tunnels and even panning for gold!
1:1 support attending canoeing, sailing, climbing, caving and other clubs and organised activities/venues
Support attending groups and youth work provisions such as Livewire Music Project, cubs, scouts etc.
Swimming – in supervised pools only.
Repairing, maintaining and building bicycles and mechanical challenges as I always have something to take apart and build such as old motorbikes/engines, all carefully supervised.
Employment skills and looking for work at an individual’s pace
I can tailor activities to suit an individual’s needs, my son is autistic and mad about trains & Brunel so most walks or rides we go on includes something train related!