My name is Annette, a proud halow parent and mother of two wonderful sons, David and Tom. I’ve witnessed first-hand how halow has supported David’s incredible journey, from a young teenager of 13 to the thriving adult he is at 31. I invite you to take a moment to read our story and support halow with a donation to the Christmas Appeal.

My son David first became involved with the halow Project when the charity began in 2006. Diagnosed with dyspraxia and mild learning difficulties on the autistic spectrum, David enjoyed activities like the Friday night meet-ups, bowling, discos and day trips. He also had a halow buddy who took him shopping and joined him for activities like going to the cinema and swimming. Everything was going so well for David until ...

At the age of 17 David's health declined rapidly and he experienced psychosis and went into a fatal catatonic state. 

After intermittent hospitalisation over 2 years, and being further diagnosed with bipolar, David decided to live in Brighton with the help of a care support company.  He lived in Brighton for 10 years and wanted to become involved in activities in the area, whilst living by the sea to help support his wellbeing.  However, David soon found he was low on the priority list for access to local activities.

David lived a life of loneliness in Brighton, unable to make meaningful connections.

Eventually, after a family discussion we decided that it was time for David to return to his hometown, Guildford. It took a year of perseverance to find a landlord willing to take my son on as a tenant with live-in care staff, and I was grateful that finally, a landlord had the empathy to give him a home.  We were worried that the move might affect David's mood and wellbeing as it would trigger memories, both good and sad. 

We are now approaching David's first year anniversary in his new flat and it has been the best decision to bring him back to Guildford. I wish we had done it sooner. 

I reached out to halow to see if David could return to the group and the activities that once brought him so much joy. Halow agreed with enthusiasm and were excited to see David again. After discussions with David, we agreed that, despite his current mental health challenges, he could rejoin halow’s social activities with the support of his care team.

David is now enjoying life again, looking forward to his favourite activities and reconnecting with old school friends. halow has been incredibly kind and accommodating, growing alongside the young people it has supported from the beginning. Those who started as 13-year-olds in 2006 are now in their 30s, forming lasting friendships.

David has been accepted by the group, it’s like he never left.  My son finally feels at home, in an environment which nurtures friendships and meaningful connections. I recently asked him if I could visit and he said ,"I'm not sure mum, as I have a social life now"! And as a Mum, I couldn’t have been happier to have that cheeky response.

David has been through a lot, and life hasn’t been easy for him or our family, but he has come a long way.

I don’t know what we’d do without halow, the support they provide is invaluable and rare to find. Sometimes the future feels incredibly uncertain, but I know that with halow’s support, David will get the right support, both from his friends at the charity and the support staff, to help him enjoy life.

Thank you for reading my story. Like me, you are members of the halow family, because you understand how important it is for young adults like David to have a place like halow, to flourish.

Please join me in supporting the halow Christmas Appeal, to help them raise £10,000 by 31st December.

The halow project is dedicated to improving the lives of people like my son, David. This includes helping them learn new skills, become more independent, and live the life they’ve always wanted, values I wholeheartedly believe in.

A donation this Christmas will help support more people like David, please give what you can.

Thank you so much.

Wishing you and your family a peaceful Christmas.

Annette, David and family x

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