About 20 years ago I happened to walk into a David Lewis shop in Macclesfield, an experience that had a profound effect on our family. At that time, my son Sam, was only 8 years old but I was already thinking about his, and our family’s future.

In the workshop, I saw the most incredible interactions between the staff and the people being supported. I had a long chat with the manager and left with his business card. This sat in my purse for a few years until Sam was ready to leave school, but I felt like it was my ‘insurance’.

I arranged a visit for us to the main site in Warford. Straight away we all knew it was the right place for him to be, Sam kept asking when he could start! He now goes to David Lewis every week day, taking part in a huge range of different activities and ‘jobs’.

As a family we expected Sam’s learning to plateau once he left formal education. However, he comes home every day with more and more language, ideas and feelings.

It’s really important for us that at David Lewis, Sam has the ability to move independently around the grounds and this helps him feel trusted and capable. That freedom isn’t something available to him elsewhere, and it’s priceless.

He’s also become more confident in social settings. His daily interactions with a wide range of people, staff, peers, volunteers, have helped him grow in ways no one expected. He’s now more engaged, more expressive, and proud of what he and his friends achieve together.

David Lewis is family. The beautiful grounds, the striking buildings and the amazing staff make it a home from home on a daily basis. As parents it’s (mostly) comforting to know that Sam would rather be with you all than at home!

Of course, there are always challenges to overcome but because of the solid relationships the staff build with families, it feels like nothing is insurmountable.

David Lewis has given Sam a future full of opportunities and friendship. We’ve also made connections with parents, that have become equally strong and binding. I’m so glad I came across that workshop all those years ago!