Alan’s trip to Buckingham Palace garden party
“It’s a day I’ll never forget”
A learning disabled man enjoyed a special visit to Buckingham Palace – in recognition of his efforts to improve his mental wellbeing.
Alan Booth, 34, was left feeling low after he lost his seasonal job at Chessington World of Adventures as a result of the covid pandemic and was struggling with his mental health.
At the time he was living in a shared house and started feeling isolated.
“I just felt so low, “ said Alan. “After losing my volunteering role, I had a lot of free time on my hands.
“I was not in a good place.”
Alan has been supported by Hft Surrey’s Outreach Team for the last 10 years who had identified that his mental health was suffering.
Working in partnership with Alan, the team discussed ways of assisting him in improving his wellbeing and supporting him to plan his future.
With Hft’s assistance and guidance, Alan was able to move into new supported living accommodation in July 2023.
And, after settling into his new home and with the continued support from his Hft key worker Martin O’Neil, Alan started to rebuild his life.
Alan now volunteers at Hft Surrey’s New Malden Day Centre on its reception desk two days a week, completing all the necessary Hft training and e-learning courses.
Alan also loves music – and now DJ’s at the discos held at the day centre each Thursday afternoon.
“I am happier in my new home and I love volunteering at the day centre.
“I love meeting new people and having new experiences,” said Alan.
Alan has also taken up fishing – a hobby he was introduced to by his key worker Martin.“My life is now a lot better,” said Alan.
“I feel like I have really turned a corner.
“I am thinking positive and keeping my mind busy.
“I don’t think I could have got this far without the support of Hft. The charity has always been there for me.
“Martin has been a constant, relaxing and calming influence on me.
“He has helped me reduce the stress in my life and take on new hobbies.”
Alan also now has a girlfriend, Lucy Ann.
The pair started dating on Valentines Day after meeting at a local social club.
“She’s great,” he beamed.
“We like spending time together, watching films and cooking for one another.”
Alan is now hoping to move into paid employment and is keen to give back to the charity which has helped him.
“One day I’d like to be a support worker for Hft,” said Alan.
“I want to support others in the way I have been and help change their lives for the better.”
In recognition of his achievements, Alan was invited to attend the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May, hosted by the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate.
He attended with Martin where the pair enjoyed soaking up the palace gardens, music from a brass band and a buffet lunch.
“It was a real honour to be invited to Buckingham Palace,” said Alan.
“It is a day I will never forget. “I saw Kate and I waved at her – and she waved back.”
Martin said: “Alan is a joy to be around. “He is very energetic and is really helpful around the day centre – there’s nothing he won’t do.
“It’s been a lot of hard work on his part, but he’s really turned his life around.”
Hft’s person centred support helps to enable people to engage in meaningful activity and relationships as active participants, exercising more control over their lives and experiencing greater levels of inclusion, independence and choice.
Hft Surrey Day Opportunity Manager Nora O’Leary said: “Alan is an absolute asset to the day centre.
“He’s such a character and everyone loves him – he’s an integral part of the team.”
Alan has lots of plans for his future – including working on his angling skills. “Fishing is my new favourite hobby,” he said.
“It’s something I plan to continue to do – and catch some bigger fish.”
