Next Steps

flower0505

Hi everyone,

This is just a post to learn more about other's experiences and get any advice that this lovely community can provide us with. My brother who is about to turn 19 feels that he has no community or friends. He has CP and fully wheelchair bound. No matter how much support that I can provide, he still needs friends and community.
I was thinking of encouraging him to go to university/work but he can not read and it can be quite hard to understand the way he speaks.
I was wondering what his future will look like, of course I will try my level best to live with him but the future is uncertain, if my job requires me to move, it will be quite hard to make him move too.
What can you advice us to do? He needs social skills and if in the future I do not live with him, he can get quite lonely and I do not want him to feel isolated. He stays at home and has nothing to do but if he goes for volunteering/working they require him to atleast read or speak coherently with other people.
Might seem like a rant but would appreciate any input! Thanks!

SaraC_Scope

Hi @vsoums005

Welcome to the community. I'm Sara one of the Cerebral Palsy Specialists at Scope.

There is a perception in the professional world that CP is a childhood condition. Support ends at the age of 18. But children with CP grow into adults and still need elements of support and friendship.

It sounds like you are a great support for your brother, but as you said, he would like his own friendships or social circle. I'm wondering if there are any disability community groups your brother could be part of. If you live in England, your Local Offer will have details of groups and activities he could potentially join.

The CP Network at Scope can provide practical and emotional advice and guidance. We also run monthly Network events for people with CP which he is welcome to attend. I've included the link to https://www.scope.org.uk/cerebral-palsy-network if he wishes to be part of this community.

Another area of support might be https://www.cpteensuk.org/about Their mission is to provide 'help, hope, inspiration & friendship' for youngsters & adults with physical disabilities.

I hope this information helps. If you need any further information, please get in touch with the CP Network.

Kind regards

JennieWren

our GP does social prescribing and various groups. Yours might too. If not your library may be able to help with local groups.

Littlefatfriend

Like this thanks Jennie?

https://www.longtermplan.nhs.uk/areas-of-work/personalised-care/#:~:text=Social%20Prescribing%20Link%20workers%20take%20referrals%20from,will%20help%20improve%20their%20health%20and%20wellbeing.