Care firm helping Bradford woman to beat her anxiety

Jodie-Leigh Hudson, 22, had severe travel anxiety and was socially isolated. When not at home in Bradford, she was being ferried to Calderdale College in Halifax and back in a taxi, costing her parents £400 a month.

But Jodie was determined to improve her social skills as well as her health – and now she’s achieved most of her goals, including going to the gym, dining out, and using the bus.

Jodie with Kiran Mahmood (left) and Nargis Mahmood (Image: Together We Care)

The remarkable turnaround has been achieved with the help of a company called Together We Care, which specialises in supporting vulnerable people at home.

“I have been going out to the gym, dining out on Friday, swimming, travel training, and going to the park,” said Jodie, who has autism, cerebral palsy, learning disability, visual impairment, and other health problems.

“I have built my confidence and positive relationship with my carer, Nagina.”

The longer-term aim is for Jodie to independently use the bus to get to college, where she studies maths and English. After that, Together We Care will help support her to access employment.

“Travel training was really, really difficult at first because I was nervous getting on the bus," she said.

"But now my confidence is getting much better through the bus days on Thursdays.

Jodie says she feels less nervous (Image: Together We Care)

"I feel less nervous, as Nagina constantly talks to me and makes me feel like it’s going to be okay. I enjoy my life now.”

The company started working with Jodie at the beginning of May when goals were set as part of the process. 

Jodie has made great progress (Image: Together We Care)

Jodie explained that not only has her confidence grown, but her physical and mental health has significantly improved. 

“She has done fantastically well and we’re so proud of her,” said Kiran Mahmood of Together We Care. 

“She’s made really good progress. I think what’s really helped Jodie is the relationship with the carer.

"She has built that relationship with the carer. The carer has been fantastic anyway, but the relationship has encouraged her. And we’ve had really tight communication with Jodie as well.”

Jodie has built her confidence (Image: Together We Care)

Kiran said the company couldn't be happier with Jodie's progress and added: “Our aim is to continue supporting Jodie to reach her goals so that she could retain her independence and have greater control over her life.”

Jodie’s parents said: “As a family we are so pleased with the service Jodie receives. Jodie has grown in confidence and each day taking steps to reach independence.

“From the beginning, Kiran and her team have been very professional and go above and beyond to ensure Jodie is given the support she needs within the wider world.”