AN AUTISTIC man who suffered from cruel bullying as a child has found a new lease of life since working with a North Yorkshire healthcare body.

Ben Guyers, 30, from South Otterington, near Northallerton, was diagnosed with Autism at eight, and was severely bullied both at school and where he lived.

As he progressed into adulthood, his parents Frank and Gillian wanted to help Ben find employment in the hope of boosting his confidence and giving him more independence.

“The last thing we wanted for Ben was for him to just sit around at home,” said Mrs Guyers.

“We wanted him to have a role in life – something to get out of bed for. We were introduced to Kevin Ward at North Yorkshire County Council’s supported employment who really cared about Ben and wanted to get him work as soon as possible.”

She added: “After a couple of tries which didn’t quite work out, we tried NHS Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), and they told us that they were very happy to welcome someone with Ben’s challenges."

Ben, who enjoys rugby, spending time with friends and watching his favourite football team, Middlesbrough, settled into his new role quickly and has grown in confidence since starting as a reception assistant in 2014.

Ben said: “I was a bit nervous on my first day. But as the days went on I felt more comfortable and relaxed. I now really like this job.

“I like working with people and making friends - making people laugh with jokes. My favourite thing is telling people to smile.

“I really enjoy fire training and showing people where they need to go in case of fire and what to do. I next want to learn how to scan documents from the printer.”

Richard Kirby, Ben’s line manager at the CCG said: “Having Ben in our office really is fantastic. If you’re having a bad day, rest assured he will be there to cheer you up with a really, really terrible joke, a chat about football or an impression.

“Visitors forget everyone else’s name – but they don’t forget Ben’s.”

Janet Probert, CCG chief officer said, “Every day Ben’s in the office, he literally lights up the room and makes sure his colleagues are always smiling. Ben’s humour, caring nature and sensitivity are welcome in the team and I honestly couldn’t imagine the place without him. I cannot express enough the value of having Ben around and urge any organisation to consider offering similar opportunities to others.”

Mrs Guyers said: “Since his first day, we have seen Ben’s confidence improve. He’s happier and seems to have a more diverse view of life. It’s nice to know he’s earning his own living, getting a pension and contributing to the workplace and country.

“I think that employing a person with special needs can produce huge benefits within the workplace. Not everyone has the opportunity to meet someone with Autism in their day-to-day living. So being able to introduce colleagues to the challenges that special needs employees encounter on an everyday basis, can promote teamwork and compassion.”

For more information on adults with Autism or Supported Employment initiatives, visit http://www.northyorks.gov.uk/article/24070/Supported-employment.