Max's Story

Since being at Seashell, his confidence has grown and he happily takes part in a range of activities - he really is living his best life!

Paula,
Max's mum

Max, aged 20, is a resident in one of our supported houses and a student ambassador at Seashell’s Royal College Manchester.

Seashell has been supporting his employment prospects with a work experience position at the National Trust’s Quarry Bank Mill, and he has also done other volunteer work across Seashell’s site. Our training and education support means Max can learn vital skills to ready him for a fulfilling and meaningful career when he leaves Seashell. You can watch the video below to hear Max talking about his work experience:

Max has a learning disability and has a chromosomal condition called Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS) – a developmental disorder that affects many parts of the body and is associated with challenging behaviours.

Paula, Max’s mum, said: “Before Max joined Seashell, he was socially isolated and found making friends near impossible.

“Due to his syndrome, Max can find going outside challenging – we have even struggled to get him into our garden. But since being at Seashell, especially having the extended support through his residential placement, his confidence has grown and he happily takes part in a range of activities. This has enabled him to discover more about himself and what he enjoys doing – he really is living his best life!

“Having the opportunity to stay at Seashell during the week has increased his independence and self-esteem hugely. Although we miss him during the week, having that space helps us feel energised when he comes home at the weekends.

“We wish Max could stay at Seashell forever, and we couldn’t be happier with the progress he has made.”