Chris always has a smile on his face – a smile that is brightest on the days he goes to work at the HWNS Recycling business in Newcastle.  At 22, Chris, who has Down Syndrome, would have found it very difficult to obtain work in the mainstream employment market, yet he is such a great worker.

HWNS recognised Chris’ inherent abilities and we were determined to give him a fair go. Now he is part of a workplace where he has many friends and knows everyone by name. This is a young man who is such a hard worker that he has to be convinced to stop for the regular breaks.

“Since being able to go to work his self esteem has grown,” says Judy, Chris’ mother. “Chris is very happy there and I am so happy that he fits in so well.”and the smiles don’t end once work is over for the week.

A young man of many talents, Chris is part of a performing group called Waltz-Sing Matildas. Chris can often be heard singing Abba songs at the top of his lungs. ……….."Dancing Queen, feel the beat of the tambourine. You can dance; you can jive, having the time of your life. See that girl………………”

Self confidence is a wonderful thing. As Chris has developed and grown in his work and his performing, so too has he expanded the range of other things he can tackle in his personal life. Recently he decided to tackle the challenge of catching the bus home from work independently, a feat that would have been inconceivable not that long ago.

Chris has made some wonderful strides in his time with HWNS. Most of the credit goes to him for his efforts and his determination to do well. However, had he not had access to the support he needed, who knows? 

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