Meet Paul

Paul has multiple disabilities, walks with difficulty and has little verbal communication. He has been supported by Affinity Trust since 2014, at first in Battle and now in Bexhill-on-Sea.

In February 2021, we received an email from Paul’s parents Tony and Di, talking about how he is now, and the progress he has made over the last few years. They have kindly allowed us to publish this.

“It is several years since Paul moved to Affinity Trust. We no longer worry about his home, and the staff supporting him are splendid. Due to the pandemic, we have seen our son for two short days since March 2020. But we message the man and check he is OK.

“Photos of Paul taken since moving to Bexhill show a happy guy who is often laughing among the staff. He is always nicely dressed and plays up to the camera.

“The quality of care Paul receives is excellent. He has adapted well to Bexhill. He loves his car rides, trips in his wheelchair for shopping, or walking along the promenade with refreshments en-route.

“We expect Paul will be as keen as ourselves to visit us, and his brother and sister, for a Sunday lunch, after which we visit animals in local small zoos and parks. While Paul cannot speak, he will point to photos of family, residents and staff, especially of newcomers.

“Affinity Trust staff have guided us in the variety and suitability for Paul’s diet, guidance that we also apply when he visits us.

“When Paul meets new staff or residents at his home, we note he has pointed to or touched newcomers by way of introductions. It is true to say that he is genuinely interested in visitors and stands to one side listening to what we are saying.

“The way Affinity Trust managed the transfer of some residents and staff from Battle to Bexhill was conducted brilliantly. That was such a good move!

“Of course, there are times when Paul can be upset and angry. He is not always happy if he is teased and even when he visits us he is not always laughing! Yet he also laughs loudly without anyone knowing why!

“Thank you all.”