I started this for Edward, I didn’t realised how much I’d enjoy it too.

How do you support someone in an activity if you haven’t done it before? As Peter found out you get stuck in and discover a new passion along the way!

Peter Mwangi supports Edward in Wokingham. Edward loves to kayak. The only problem is Peter had never considered kayaking!

Edward is a man who loves to be outside doing something every day. He particularly loves the water. Before lockdown his support worker used to take him kayaking, however she had moved on from Dimensions. As we came out of lockdown, Edward couldn’t wait to restart his weekly kayaking. So in May Peter took to the water with Edward at the Wokingham Waterside Centre for the first time.

“Support work is about the person you support and doing the things they want to do. So although I was a bit nervous I was determined to learn. The coaches at the water centre could not have been better. I was able to learn whilst supporting Edward to do something he loves.”

“Now every Tuesday we’re out on the Thames. Some weeks the centre is very busy, it’s popular with schools, but we’re out there doing something we both love. I’ve learned so much, including how to get out of the way of bigger boats – coping with their wake can be exciting!”

“When we get home Edward likes to have a nap after lunch, so I know how much effort he’s put in.”

Edward’s mum Doreen explained “Lockdown was not good for Edward, he really struggled with not being able to see friends and family. Before he had a job, he loves to go out. It’s great to see that he’s getting out again. He loves the water, his brother used to take him kayaking when we were on holiday, but he’s also been sailing and swimming.”

“I started this for Edward, it was something new and until I started I didn’t realised how much I’d enjoy it to.” Peter

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