Meet Abi How being an ambassador has helped Abi enjoy life again At 15, Abi was diagnosed with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), which causes daily pain and dislocations. After a spinal injury, she lived in an NHS rehabilitation centre, but it wasn’t the right fit, and her mental health declined. Abi then moved to Maypole Grove, where she was initially nervous to even get out of bed. But with support from the team, she regained her confidence. Abi is now home’s Service User Ambassador, representing her peers on the Service User Council and taking on various roles around the home. She’s organised events like a summer fete, weekly cinema club, and fundraising day for the Huntington’s Disease Association.
“Being an ambassador has helped
me connect with other residents, and I’ve made lots of new friends. I help staff with the menus and talk to people who are bed- bound. I’m also starting a monthly Q&A with staff to help everyone get to know each other.”
“I’m so grateful for the opportunities they’ve given me to enjoy life again. I do things now that I never thought I’d be able to do.”
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