The Blue Swim

A very special thanks to the wonderful Jersey Long Distance Swimming Club members and supporters who together raised over £525 this month in aid of the Autism Jersey 'Channel Your Dreams' bursary.

Sadly we couldn’t hold the Blue Swim as the entry/exit at St Catherine’s Slip wasn’t safe in windy conditions. But swimmers tend to like cake and we sold and ate loads! Heartfelt thanks for being #AwesomeForAutism!

The ‘Channel Your Dreams’ bursary is open to autistic people aged 18 or over, to fund opportunities that will enhance an individual’s employment prospects or improve the quality of their life.

To find out more please call or email Karen, or just pop into the Autism Jersey Boutique during opening hours. Applications can be made on behalf of an individual by parents, carers or support workers.

✉ k.gallichan@autismjersey.org ☎ 871678

Meet the Team, Martyn Saralis

We want you to get to know us so each issue we will introduce you to a member of our team. From our support workers, who make a difference to the lives of autistic people every day, to the operational team that work in our office to ensure the smooth day to day running of Autism Jersey. This issue we are proud to introduce Martyn Saralis, Senior Support Worker.

How long have you been a support worker with Autism Jersey? Since 2016.

What made you decide to become a Support Worker? I was previously a Barista at a coffee shop and had a few of my friends who worked for the charity, they would often pop in whilst on shift and I always thought this was a cool job. I have come from a family who have worked in similar roles, especially mental health and supporting people with drug and alcohol problems. My parents had been great role models for me and have definitely made me appreciate working with people. Even in the coffee shop it was working and interacting with the customers that I was drawn towards, but I wanted to have a position where I could offer more to someone who may need my assistance.

What do you love most about your job? I love that every day is just a unique experience and varies from whom I am with and knowing I maybe enhancing another person’s day.

What are some of the challenges you face being a Support Worker? It is a challenging role especially the jump from support worker to senior. The support work I really enjoy, even with its challenges but it’s been a big learning curve trying to lead a team.

What makes your job worthwhile? Seeing the transition from someone’s story, I have helped individuals living in hard times, whether that's not finding a job, struggling to socially interact or moving out into their own place for the first time. This is both extremely challenging but when you see the difference it makes the job worth while.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I have many different hobbies but mainly playing my guitar or playing gigs with my band Electric Brick. I have recently been painting on pebbles and enjoyed having my work displayed in a few different exhibitions. Walking my dog and seeing family and friends.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself. I am trying to design my board game.

The Island Walk

We have been looking after Island Walk participants since 2003! After a bit of a break we are pleased to be back at the Noirmont check point this year.

We are looking for smiley faces to join us as we welcome and cheer the wonderful (and weary!) walkers through the 11th and last bag drop as they make their way to the finish line!

If you can join us to keep walkers happy and motivated between 12pm and 10pm on Saturday 19th June we would love to hear from you! Please get in touch with Jackie Marsh.

✉ jackie.k.marsh@googlemail.com