How long have you been supported by Endurance Care and how do they support you Sam?

Sam: "I moved in 12 years ago and support is there for me whenever I have a concern or need someone to talk to. I have some psychological and emotional struggles they support me with. They have helped me grow my independence with travel training and other support. It took many years to achieve but I've worked hard at it and am now very independent."

Emma: I've been working at Endurance Care Broadstairs for 14 years and remember Sam arriving for a look around. It's been great to see Sam grow so much independence over the years."

How long have you been an artist Sam?

Sam: "I started creating art on my computer but lost it. So I started drawing with pencil in 2018 - which you have to be very gentle with. Then I started using phone apps to turn my designs into comic strips. The apps take real images and filter them to make them look like characters which I work on very slowly."

Can you tell us a bit more about the work you have exhibited? We hear it has a love theme

Sam: "I am currently working on a mouse character called Arthur. I represent myself through Arthur. Arthur is very friendly, loving, and caring, a bit like Casper the Friendly Ghost. He is also autistic and is looking for a life partner but isn't having much luck with the other mice and rats. Until he meets a character called Emily, a cat with glasses who is kind and gentle but a little bit naughty - but innocent for the most part. Arthur and Emily go on travels together to other countries and help a character called Tony to bring down the evil force of Thumba who is trying to take over the world. My art tells their stories."

How did you come about to have your art featured in the emporium?

Sam:"I can travel independently and went to Canterbury one day. I was in the cafe at the Walrus & Oyster Art Emporium but didn't have enough money for a drink. A kind lady who offered to buy a drink for me introduced me to the owner, Emma. It opened a door to a whole new life for me. I formed a friendship with Emma who fell in love with my art and told me I should exhibit some of it in their gallery. I have since sold two canvasses to a family in Holland and one canvas to a man with an autistic son who was really impressed with it. That one was of the coliseum in Rome which I had worked very steadily on - steady always wins the race!."

What's next Sam? What else would you like to achieve?

Sam: "There is much more I want to achieve. I have been writing stories since the age of 19, I am 30 now. I write short stories and wrote one about my feelings in lockdown which was published on the National Autistic Society's website. I have also written a biography about my life as a child and teenager with autism. It's called 'Me from 1993'. I have also been on The Undateables, which didn't work out for me. Maybe I will try that again, who knows? I am interested in acting and would love to perform one of my own stories as a voice actor. I also want to keep travelling. I have already been to Australia, Singapore, and Las Vegas.

We wish you well with all your ambitions Sam. Do you have any advice for others with autism who want to accomplish their dreams?

Sam: "All you need to do is ask for help and advice. Also, be proud of what you have achieved so far and just keep doing your best. Achievements are not hopeless. Keep going."

Sam lives in Canterbury and is provided supported living services by Endurance Care Kent. Sam's answers are his exact responses to the questions.

To read more about the person-centered support offered by Endurance Care Broadstairs, click here.