At a recent meeting of the Community Voice, the group decided that it would be good to have profiles of members on the website. We thought this would be a good way for people who don’t know our organisation to hear more about what we do and what our members are like. The Community Voice group decided on a list of questions that would be good to ask members – including questions about themselves, autism and about I AM.
David has been a member of I AM for just over a year – he volunteered to be our fifth member to be interviewed for a Member Profile. David was interviewed by one of our Trustees Dr Debra Bradley.
Member profile – David Stewart
David Stewart is 64 and has been a member of I AM for just over a year, and in that time, he’s become a valued and familiar face at the weekly drop-in sessions. With a lifelong passion for gardening, a deep love of drawing and steam trains, and a remarkable story of courage, David is someone who brings kindness, warmth and lived experience to the I AM community.
Raised in Droylsden, David experienced a serious head injury when he was just seven years old, after being hit by a motorbike. The accident caused lasting brain damage, but it didn’t stop David from setting his sights on the career he always dreamed of. “From when I was at school,” he says, “I always knew I wanted to be a gardener.”
David achieved that goal, spending his entire working life as a gardener for Manchester City Council. Based mainly at Debdale Park, he worked across many of Manchester’s green spaces, helping to keep them beautiful for the public to enjoy. Now retired, David still finds joy in nature, and in staying connected to people. Though he once volunteered at Tameside Hospital and helped out at his church’s coffee mornings – activities that had to stop during the COVID lockdowns – he continues to make time for others.
He lives independently, and keeps close contact with family. His father, now 97, speaks to David on the phone every day, and David visits him two or three times a week. “Family means a lot to me,” he says. “And so do good friends.”
What are your hobbies and interests?
I really enjoy drawing, especially detailed pictures – sometimes of gardens and sometimes of trains. I’ve always loved steam trains and visit the East Lancashire Railway in Bury regularly. There’s something peaceful and powerful about them, and I love the atmosphere and history.
What’s your favourite food?
Definitely a roast dinner! I like all the meats – beef, pork, lamb – and I like the full works: roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, vegetables, and all the sauces. Mint sauce with lamb, apple sauce with pork, horseradish with beef… I like having it all just right.
Do you have a favourite colour?
Light blue. That’s the colour of Manchester City, my football team. I used to go to the matches, but these days it’s a bit too expensive, so I follow the games from home.
Do you have pets? What’s your favourite animal?
I don’t have a pet at home, but I love dogs. I go to Noah’s ART in Dukinfield, a project where they use animals for therapy. My favourite is Moose, a lovely King Charles Spaniel. He’s calm, friendly and always puts a smile on my face. Being around animals like Moose is really comforting.
Where is your favourite place to visit?
Southport. I go there often – sometimes just for a day trip on the train from Ashton, and sometimes I stay overnight. I like walking along the promenade and the pier, enjoying the sea air. It’s relaxing and gives me time to think and enjoy myself.
What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done?
About 30 years ago, on my way to work, I saw smoke coming from a house. A woman was trapped upstairs with her baby. She threw the baby down to me, and I caught it. Then she threw down the key, and I ran inside to help her and the dog get out safely. At the time, I didn’t tell anyone who I was because I didn’t want attention. But looking back, I feel proud that I was able to help.
When were you diagnosed with autism?
I was diagnosed in 2020, quite late in life. I’ve had a good life, but sometimes I wonder how things might have been different if I’d known I was autistic earlier. It might have helped me understand myself better and made some things easier.
It’s a place where you can be yourself and feel accepted.
What do you think is a positive part of being autistic?
I think it’s made me more compassionate. I know what it’s like to feel different, to not always fit in. So I always try to be kind and helpful to others. I think that’s a good thing.
How did you get involved with I AM?
After I got my diagnosis, the service that assessed me referred me to I AM. I started coming to groups in early 2021 and have been a member ever since.
What’s your favourite activity at I AM?
The Wednesday drop-in is my favourite. I love doing drawing there, playing games, and having conversations with other members. The social side is great, and it gives me something to look forward to. I’ve also really enjoyed the group outings – like the canal barge trip and the day out at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Those memories are special to me.
How would you describe I AM to someone who doesn’t know it?
I’d say it’s a very welcoming place. You’ll meet good people and staff who really care. It’s a place where you can be yourself and feel accepted.
In what ways has I AM helped you?
It’s helped me learn more about autism and understand myself better. I’ve made new friends and I have a Key Worker who supports me with tasks like filling in forms and things I need help with. That kind of support makes a big difference in day-to-day life.
What would your life be like without I AM?
I think I’d feel more isolated. I wouldn’t know as much about autism, and I wouldn’t have met the people I now call friends. It’s helped me stay connected and feel part of something.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Just that I really value being part of the I AM community. It’s a place where I feel understood and where I belong.
If you would like to be interviewed for Member Profiles you can find out more about what’s involved by emailing nick.bowles@i-am-autism.org.uk or enquiries@i-am-autism.org.uk You don’t need to be a member of the Community Voice group to be interviewed.
