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Transcript of the promotional video
Martyn Lewis
United Response is a charity that helps people with learning disabilities or mental health needs take control of their own lives. Now they've gone one step further and taken control of Naidex TV News as well.
One of their former service users, who now works for United Response has put together his own report for the programme. Here's David Fry.
[music]
David Fry
Hi! My name is David Fry. I've worked for United Response for nine years. This film is all about what we do.
The first person we're going to meet is Kevin. He lives in a typical flat in a typical street.
Stan
What happened to my coffee? I've got to do my own?
Kevin
I do this all the time! Ha ha ha.
Stan
I've got to do my own? Come on. I've got to make my own coffee?
Kevin
Go on then.
Voice over (David)
Stan is Kevin's support worker. He helps Kevin shape his own life. Giving support when needed. He says he has never had a job as fulfilling.
Stan
I don't think words could actually say how rewarding it is.
Stan
I hardly knew this kind of work existed.
Kevin
Stan! Look!
Stan
Yes mate. Right.
Kevin
DDR2 chip!
Stan
I know.
Kevin
I've got it in my laptop.
Stan
Oh aye.
Kevin
Wow, fantastic!
Stan
Brilliant.
Kevin
And it's meant to be two yeah?
Stan
Yep.
Kevin
Two or three?
Stan
Exactly the same.
Kevin
Wait, I'll go in my room on the computer...
Stan
We'll go in in a minute.
Kevin
Wow!
Stan
Just, just wait a touch.
Kevin
Oh, whatever...
Voice over (David)
Kevin is brilliant with computers.
Kevin
My name is Kevin Guthrie. I have my own house keys. I have my own room. I buy my own food. I do things when I want.
Voice over (David)
He's giving a PowerPoint presentation about his life and how he wants to live it. United Response works with him so he can live a full and active life. We call it person-centred planning. It's very different to how things used to be.
Sarah Battershall
I think the biggest difference is that we know that people can achieve things whereas I think before people's skills and abilities were underestimated. So it was much more about how we cared for people and we did things for people. Rather than enabling people to do things for themselves.
David Fry
It's not only people like Kevin that United Response supports. They also support people with learning disabilities, who do not speak. We're going to see Michael now. He's a big Newcastle fan and we're going to meet him at the Shearer's Bar.
Shirley
Ok Michael, what are we having today?
Voiceover (David)
In the past, Michael found it difficult to tell people what he wanted to do. United Response has worked with him and now he can communicate his choices more clearly.
Barman
Thank you.
David
Do you know whose team I support? Man United...
Michael (using Dynavox)
What a load of rubbish.
[they laugh]
Voiceover (David)
Michael now has a Dynavox machine. He chooses the words and pictures. The machine speaks. It's transformed his life ensuring his voice is heard. As well as his sense of humour.
Michael (using Dynavox)
Brush my teeth.
David
I haven't got a toothbrush.
Michael (using Dynavox)
Have a shave.
[They laugh]
David
Do you want a shave?
Michael (using Dynavox)
Do my hair...
[music starts]
David Fry
United Response is helping people live their life to the fullest.
Kevin
Woo!
Kevin, Stan and Sarah
Hooray.
Stan
Well done Kevin
Sarah
That was brilliant!
David
And that.. is a wrap!