My name is Leslie Alfred Humphrey. I was named after my dad Alfred but everyone calls me Les!

I was born in Barnet General Hospital 63 years ago. My mum’s name was Elder.

I lived with my parents in New Barnet until they died and I was moved to a home in Cromer, Norfolk.

I wasn’t happy living where I was and my social worker suggested that I speak to Lucy from Barnet Mencap’s Equality Housing team.

I had a zoom meeting with Lucy and all the tenants at the East Finchley house. We chatted and they showed me around the house and told me about themselves.

Everyone was lovely and I went for a week’s stay to meet them all – I was very excited!

I travelled from Cromer to London in a taxi by myself, I wasn’t nervous but looking forward to meeting everyone.

When I met them, they were all lovely and made me feel very welcome.

During my week’s stay, it was my birthday and we all went out for a meal to celebrate and I was given a card and chocolates…I loved it, it was special.

I was very sad when I had to leave and go back to Cromer because I just wanted to stay.

I moved down for good in October 2022, 4 weeks later, and am very happy. It really feels like home.
            I live with Janette, Tom and Chris. Tom and I are good friends and we go for walks together. He showed me where the shops were and introduced me to COPs and Station Road and I’m now a member.

I go to the swimming lessons on Fridays with Tom and Janette and went to some of the parties. I’m going to be starting a course at St Joseph’s soon.

I’m looking forward to getting my new DVD player soon that I ordered for Christmas as I love watching Disney films.

I’d like to go on holiday in the future with my new friends and to learn to cook by myself. I’ve already learnt how to use the microwave which is great as now I can chose when I want to eat.

The staff are lovely and they help me with my money, learning new bus routes, cooking and shopping and anything else I need. I know I can talk to staff here.

I had my first Christmas at the house. It was nice and I enjoyed it. We went for a big meal with lots of the Equality Housing tenants and staff it was good fun.

I’m looking forward to the rest of 2023!!

[This Being originally appears in our May 2023 newsletter. Link]