Weekly Progress Report: Mencap Gateway Bronze Award (Week 12)

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It’s Sunday again, which means it is time to check in on my progress for the Mencap Gateway Bronze Award. This week has been a whirlwind of advocacy, emotional deep-dives, and family time. Here is the breakdown of my evidence for Week 12.

​1. Volunteering: Walk for Autism

​Status: Completed.

I submitted the final evidence for this section last week. It feels great to have this milestone officially ticked off!

​2. Fitness: Nature Walk

​Evidence:


​Highlight: I spent some quality time at Newhailes Park with the kids this week while Sarah and Solomon were at a hospital appointment. It was the perfect opportunity to get exercise in and enjoy the fresh air.



​3. Hobby: The Digital Parish & Prayer

​Activity: Daily prayer using the Northumbria Office has fallen by the way a bit. But, I dip into prayer, particularly about family health and peace in the world. 

I have been in touch with a ministry about a possible affiliation for my Simply Fellowship podcast and potentially future Micro fellowship. 

I have continued to document my reflections on life in this blog. 

​4. Personal Challenge

​Status: Previously submitted and completed.

​5. Lifestyle: Sensory, Advocacy & Wellbeing

​This section covers the "nuts and bolts" of my daily regulation and the behind-the-scenes work of advocacy.

  • ​Sensory Regulation: Managing daily needs through Squiggle Society and other art supplies, fidget tools, and planned sensory snacks.
  • ​Routine: Using the Finch app to ensure my basic self-care routines don't slip through the cracks.
  • ​Advocacy: I sent off additional evidence to Social Security Scotland regarding Child Disability Payments.

​Mental Health & Support Work

​I had a very productive session with my Health in Mind support worker this week. We explored several key concepts:

  • ​Self-Compassion & Mindfulness: Looking at journaling as a tool for grounding.
  • ​The Three Circles: Understanding emotional regulation through the lens of Drive, Threat, and Soothing.
  • ​Tools: Using the Emotions Wheel and discussing Behavioral Activation for depression.

​I also completed my intake call with Vocal Counseling. It involved some deep, challenging questions, but I’ve been confirmed as a good fit for the service and am now officially on the waiting list.

​Note: Both my support worker and I are taking a well-earned break next week!

​Looking Ahead: Caravan Holiday!

​Tomorrow marks the start of a family getaway. We are heading to an Autism-friendly caravan, which I am really looking forward to. It’s a chance to reset, apply some of those "soothing" techniques we discussed in Health in Mind, and enjoy a change of scenery.

​See you in Week 13!

A Highland Theological College graduate and non-conformist follower of Jesus living at the crossroads of neurodiversity and faith. Writing on the wild grace of the Gospel.

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