Daisy was referred to Yep! by a youth worker from the Early Help Team in March 2024.

She left school in year 8 unable to cope in the school environment with social anxiety, she was diagnosed with autism shortly after this.  She attempted college in year 12 but again found the social side of college challenging, so she left her course.  This knocked her confidence and self-esteem and as a result Daisy became more isolated as her anxiety became severe which meant she barely left the house and found meeting new people difficult.

Daisy found loud noises upsetting and talked about having a difficult sleep routine where she experienced energy slumps and often found it hard to motivate herself to do anything.

Daisy was supported by her CSW Group Yep! Team Adviser, Jane.  She told Jane that now she was 18 she wanted to have more independence and to be able to do more things without relying on her Mum.  Daisy explained that she would like to gain some qualifications in maths and English to enable her to get a job in the future.

Recognising that Daisy responded well to routine, consistency and structure, Jane offered regular fortnightly appointments on the same day and at the same time which allowed them to build a trusting relationship.

Initial support was provided around linking in with Disability Cornwall to support Daisy to make a claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which would enable her to have more independence and her own finances; this was awarded to Daisy at the higher level.

With lots of support and encouragement, Daisy eventually agreed to leave the house with Jane, which was a significant event for Daisy, and it took real courage for her to do this, but it was also a significant step forward in Daisy starting to challenge herself.

Daisy then agreed to a referral to Adult Education so that she could gain a qualification in English.  Daisy wanted to complete this on-line but was advised that she would need to go into the centre to complete the assessment and then again to take the qualification.  On the first attempt going to the centre for the assessment Daisy didn’t sleep the night before and became extremely anxious and just felt she couldn’t go, so the visit had to be cancelled.  Jane continued to meet with Daisy to support her with her worries and anxiety.  Daisy agreed to attempt another visit to the centre, it was agreed that Jane would take both Daisy and Mum along for the assessment.  Daisy was able to go and not only take the assessment for English but also took an assessment for maths.  Daisy’s level for English came out at level 2! This was a major achievement for Daisy and boosted her confidence in her ability and gave her the courage to give the maths a go as well.

Daisy has built confidence with leaving the home and has developed more independence.  She has started to use public transport with her sister which is something she wouldn’t have considered a few months ago.

She is attending on-line English and maths each week and will be getting a support worker for her maths.  Daisy can attend the sessions without turning on her camera but using the chat section to ask questions and go into break out rooms if she is struggling.  Daisy has stated that this really helps her.

Daisy has bought a laptop with her own money, which she is very proud of.  She also contributes to the household by helping with buying food which has given her a sense of pride and purpose.

Daisy has said that the biggest benefit of being on Yep! is having someone who has been able to give her time and patience to consider her options.  Having someone come to the house challenging her but not pushing her into things she didn’t want to do.