For Debbie, life is all about being part of her community.
Being very independent and great at connecting with other people, Debbie loves to meet others and help out wherever she can in the Sussex seaside town where she lives.
For Debbie, this has included volunteering and fundraising for St John’s Ambulance. For the last 14 years, she has been a reliable member of their team helping at local events. Debbie said: ‘‘We do training courses, and I have badges and certificates for this. I know quite a lot about first aid. Helping like this makes me feel good.’
Her faith also plays a big part in Debbie’s life. She is an active member of her local church, where she has built close friendships. She said: ‘I was born into a good Christian family and in church we learn about God and Jesus.’
‘I meet a friend called Katherine at the café up the road, and we do a Bible study together.’
She is supported by a Shaftesbury service for adults, where she shares one a of a small group of houses with her friend Louise.
‘I’ve got so many friends here, like Louise – we get on really well. Some of us go to the theatre together on our own, like me and Stacey. We saw Strictly Come Dancing!
‘I love living here and want to say a big thank you to Shaftesbury for giving me the opportunity to live with these friends.’