Meet Anup

Anup, in his 50s, has been supported by Affinity Trust since November 2010. He lives with three other men with learning disabilities in a house in Ratby on the outskirts of Leicester.

Anup communicates through noises, smiling and frowning, as he is not able to verbally communicate.

Born in Kenya, Anup emigrated to the UK with his family when he was 7 years old. It was a year later that he moved into long-term care.

Anup likes bright colours, music and other noises and activities that involve obvious sensory stimulation. He loves Harry Potter films, visits to attractions like Cadbury World and West Midland Safari Park, and social gatherings. His room is decorated with an African mural, reflecting his African roots.

Using his Motability car, Anup can visit the Hindu temple in Loughborough where he meets his extended family. He is also supported to celebrate Hindu festivals, for example by decorating his room for Diwali and attending celebrations in Leicester.

Anup loves the sensory equipment in his bedroom. He also likes to sit in his garden watching the birds on the bird table – staff leave food for the birds to encourage them to visit the garden.

His support team recently converted half of the conservatory into a sensory room. Here he has a large ball pool with flashing lights, and a floor that vibrates to the music. He also has two very tall bubble tubes which he watches, following the bubbles up and down the tubes.

Family gatherings are important to Anup – he recognises them and enjoys their company. Before moving to Affinity Trust, family visits had to be planned, but now his family can visit whenever they want.