Meet James and Amy, Les Amis' love birds, a loving couple who live together and are both supported by the charity with their learning disabilities.
James has been supported by Les Amis for many years, pre-dating electronic records. He's more than part of the furniture, he often helps move it! James has worked in Les Amis' Maintenance Team since 2015 - mostly painting and decorating the many properties under our care, as well as helping our residents and service users move home from time to time.
When he's not watching his favourite football team - James goes to the gym, trains with the SwimEasy team and plays wheelchair basketball with Jersey Sports Association for the Disabled. James is proof that disability absolutely does not mean inability!
James' journey with Les Amis started when he lived in a group home, until he got married. When his marriage sadly broke down and he got divorced, he temporarily moved back in with his parents. In 2019, he met Amy, who was living with a friend of his - they fell in love, stayed connected through lockdown, then moved out together.
Both James and Amy love to catch up after work over a drink or two at their local pub - make holiday plans and 'not fight' over how the footie is taking over screens everywhere. Amy is looking forward to the end of the Euro2024 Championship, when she can go back to unwinding to her favourite soaps, like Eastenders.
Amy has been supported by Les Amis at different periods over the last few years, most recently returning in 2021. We’ve supported her with her home and work life. More recently, she underwent the Beresford Street Kitchen (BSK) Academy, which eventually helped her find work placement beyond BSK. This is how she came to be at her current job at Liberation Group's bar/ restaurant, The Square. Amy is part of the Front of House team, where is she feels supported by all her colleagues, but especially her manager, who himself was diagnosed with ADHD later in adult life and has a deeper appreciation working with neurodivergent people more emphatically.
The Square’s General Manager, Rogerio da Silva, remarked: “Society often expects neurodivergent individuals to fit into a box and learn uniformly, when we all actually learn differently and face unique challenges. With patience and understanding, however, we can thrive. Neurodivergent individuals are sensitive, creative, and think outside the box, yet daily tasks can be a struggle. At the Square, we create a safe space where everyone, including neurodivergent individuals like Amy and I can thrive. We share information, encourage creativity and curiosity, and allow everyone to be themselves.”
Les Amis are honoured to share James and Amy’s story and congratulate them on their soon-to-be fifth-year anniversary. He'll remember the date; she'll select the wine - the perfect pairing!
See their follow-up story on BBC News.
How can you help Les Amis on its mission to support and empower people, like James and Amy, to live life to their full potential?
Fundraise for Les Amis
Attend our events
Workplace support via corporate partnerships
Donate today or set up a recurring donation
Leave a legacy in your will
If you have ideas or queries on any of the above, please email our PR and Fundraising Assistant, Ellen Dickinson: pr.fundraising@lesamis.org.je
Les Amis Limited Registered Charity No. 232 | LA Incorporated No.231 | Association of Jersey Charities Number: AJC 113