Activity and Engagement Lead Bruna Neves has been part of the team at Autism Initiatives Cedars Resource Centre, in Bootle for over 3 years.  Since undertaking an apprenticeship course she was successfully promoted to an Activity and Engagement Lead.

Bruna recently achieved a distinction in her Level 2 Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship. Her course tutor described Bruna as a very dedicated learner and an inspiration to others.

We asked Bruna what she enjoys about her role at Autism Initiatives…

How long have you worked at Autism Initiatives?

Over 3 years now. I started as a Support Worker and I worked in the houses for one year. After that, I worked at The Cedars Community Resource Centre as a Support Worker for about one year before getting the job as Activity and Engagement Lead. One main part of my role is to help out across sensory activities at the centre.

What does your role involve from day to day?

Supporting people we work alongside to have more quality of life and independence, making sure all their information is kept safe and up to date and supporting staff to feel confident about their work and comfortable in our environment.

What is your favourite thing about your role?

The opportunity to learn new things every day!

Tell us a success story …

I’ve been supporting someone in the centre since they’ve started coming to Cedars. That person wouldn’t let anyone get closer to them, wouldn’t walk around the building or talk much. After having a team work alongside them for months, the person started trusting staff and letting them get closer, handle their food, and they started feeling more confident to walk around the building. Nowadays, that person will go for drives, get off the bus, hug staff members and peers, take part in music sessions, talk to staff about a variety of topics, get their hair washed by staff and so much more. It’s amazing to see how much confidence they have gained since they started coming to The Cedars Community Resource Centre and how much it has improved their outlook on life.

What do you like about working at Autism Initiatives?

The amount of things I’ve learned since I started, from people I support and other staff members. The environment at work is also something I like, we work as a team and have fun doing our job.