Meet Amin – growing in independence

Amin takes part in our Independent Living Skills, Out and About, and Maths and English classes, and has made incredible progress. 

He proudly told us that practising household skills at Share has made him much more helpful at home. ‘I learn ironing and how to make sandwiches, it’s good!’, he said. He now helps his mum with washing up and cleaning the kitchen. 

And by going on trips through Out and About, Amin has become more confident travelling around London. He’s learned how to use the Bus Times app, and now he can tell you exactly when the next bus is coming and where to get off. 

Amin has also discovered he enjoys exercise, from basketball and table tennis to badminton at a local sports centre, and his fitness and coordination have improved. 

He also takes part in our Befriending programme, which matches students with volunteers to spend time together outside of Share. Amin regularly goes to the gym with his befriender which he feels is making him stronger. He laughs and flexes his biceps to prove this! ‘His name’s John, it’s nice…he asked what I do at Share, I tell him I learnt English and do Out and About,’ Amin says.  

What Amin is proudest of is how his English has improved. His first language is Arabic. ‘When I came the first time, I didn’t understand. Now I know lots from English with Shem on Tuesday,’ he explains. ‘At Share my friend is Mansoor. I tell him, “How are you?” and “What did you do on the weekend?”’ 

Amin’s story shows how building independence at Share can ripple into every part of life, from helping at home and travelling with confidence to making new friends and enjoying better health.