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, about autism and about I AM.
Sarah has been a member of I AM for 7 years and attends the Community Voice group – she volunteered to be the first member to be interviewed for a Member Profile. She came into the office to meet one of our Trustees Dr Debra Bradley for the interview.
Member profile – Sarah Humphreys
Sarah is 36. She lives with her mum and her mum’s boyfriend in Wythenshawe but was brought up and went to school and college in Trafford. Sarah has had a variety of jobs in the past – she has worked in cleaning, catering and admin. She isn’t working at the moment but is doing Maths and English courses at an adult learning centre.
She is the first I AM member to be interviewed for our Member Profiles – but it’s not the first time she’s been in the media. She has previously featured in a newspaper article when she was involved in video editing a hip hop production featuring people from different backgrounds.
What is your favourite food?
Sausage and mash. I don’t care if it’s veggie or meat sausages. I like it best with gravy and peas. One time I had honey and mustard mash – that was really nice.
I DON’T CARE IF IT’S VEGGIE OR MEAT SAUSAGES
What is your favourite colour?
Silver is my favourite – I also like pink and purple. (As you can see Sarah was wearing pink for her interview).
Have you got any pets? – what is your favourite animal?
My favourite animal is a hamster. I don’t have any pets now, but I had a pet hamster called Max when I was a child – he was named after a character in Brookside.
What is your favourite place?
Llandudno. I’m half Welsh – my mum is of Welsh origin, and I’ve still got some family living in Wales. I go to Llandudno once a year for a few days – my favourite thing to do in Llandudno is going on the pier.
MY BOSS WAS VERY IMPRESSED THAT I MADE MYSELF A DAILY SCHEDULE FOR MY JOBS!
What is the bravest thing you’ve done?
Going on zip wires at Zip World in Bethesda (North Wales). It was really scary – afterwards I had a real adrenaline rush – but I would do it again!
I’ve also been on the Fforest Coaster at another Zip World in Betws-y-Coed (also in North Wales) – which is like a roller coaster through the trees. I’ve done that twice – once with my mum and once on a Big Day Out with I AM.
When were you diagnosed with autism? – how old were you?
When I was 26 someone suggested I should have an assessment for autism. I was assessed by Trafford Extended Services. It took 2 years for all the bits of the assessment to be done because they had to meet with my family to get all the information – so I was 28 when I got the diagnosis. I was happy to have the assessment and getting the diagnosis was helpful – it felt like a relief.
What is the best thing about having autism?
My organisational skills. I’m quite organised and tidy. When I worked as a cleaner my boss was very impressed that I made myself a daily schedule for my jobs!
How long have you been a member of I AM (ASGMA)?
I’ve been a member for 7 years this month.
IT MAKES ME FEEL AT EASE
What is your favourite group / activity at I AM?
My favourite is the Big Days Out – I’ve liked all of them. I also go to the Friday group, the DVD Takeaway nights and the pub nights.
How would you describe I AM to someone who hasn’t heard of it?
There are social and leisure activities for people with autism and there’s also a section for family and friends to give advice and support.
How has I AM helped you?
At I AM I feel comfortable and safe – it makes me feel at ease. Through attending activities at I AM I have made friends with other members – I’m in touch with some of them outside of I AM activities.
What would be different in your life if I AM didn’t exist?
I wouldn’t have as many friends.
Is there anything else you want to add or that you wanted to talk about?
No
If you would like to be interviewed for Member Profiles you can find out more about what’s involved by emailing debra.bradley@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.
