The South West’s leading charity for autism services is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

 

Robert Hoare at St Erme House

When he answered a job advert in the local paper, Robert Hoare could never have imagined he’d have a career that meant so much to him. A grocer by trade, Robert joined Spectrum at the age of 38 in 1983, when he decided to get out of the retail industry and follow his heart.

He said: “I’d taken on children with special needs for work experience in my supermarket in Redruth, so when I saw the ad for a house parent at St Erme I knew it was for me. I did everything you would do as a parent for the boys who lived there. It was all relatively new, and we were just feeling our way.

“As time went on, I took a special interest in the garden and grounds at the house. My father had taught me to garden out of necessity after the war – we had to grow everything. So I’d take the clients out into the garden and show them how to mow the lawn, water flowers, grow vegetables and sow seeds.

“We designed an area of quiet reflection at St Erme House, and planted saplings. That was 25 years ago and they are now fully grown trees. I couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved together.”

Robert, 74, is now Estate Manager for Spectrum, looking after the gardens and grounds of all its properties and managing contractors from his office – an empire of sheds at St Erme House.

“Over the years, I have developed some very special relationships with these boys,” he said. “Two in particular I’ve known for 35 years – since they were teenagers. I suppose I’ve become an expert in autism by experience. These boys are my life. My wife Jayne asks me why I don’t retire, but I couldn’t leave my boys. I spend more time with them than I do my own children and grandchildren. I don’t even see them as autistic. They are just people, like everyone else.

“I’ve grown as part of Spectrum. Back then we had no public funding and nothing in the way of resources, but now look at it. It’s an unbelievable service and I’m so proud to be a part of it. I don’t class it as work.”

 

Robin Gunson

During his time at Redruth School sixth form, teenager Robin Gunson volunteered at Kernow Special School, helping out in its new autism unit. Little did he realise it would be the beginning of a career which would make him one of the most recognised and respected autism experts in the South West.

At the tender age of 20, only just an adult himself, Robin started as a house parent at St Erme in April 1983, under the tutelage of Robert Hoare. There were 14 residents in total – 12 men, two women – some of whom are still under Spectrum’s care 35 years later. Autism training didn’t exist.

Robin quickly rose through the ranks at St Erme, going from team leader to deputy manager. But it was the behavioural side of autism which really interested him, and after 15 years of caring at various homes he undertook formal training.

He said: “There was never a grand career plan in any way, shape or form. It is interesting work and makes a significant positive impact on the lives of individuals and their families. Each month is different to the next, it’s constantly evolving and never the same old, same old.

“What has changed the most in 35 years is the professionalism of the service. The amount of legislation that needs to be understood and adhered to, as such if you stop evolving you stop short of what society expects.

“Spectrum has grown exponentially and really is at the forefront of what we do. We are ahead of the curve in terms of autism research and best practice. What we do is life-changing for families.”

Now Head of Developments, Robin, 55, looks at the needs of those being referred to Spectrum and often helps build a bespoke service for them, which includes sourcing new properties. He also heads up the company’s internal positive behaviour support team.

Spectrum hasn’t only been the source of his professional achievements – it was at work he met his wife-to-be, Mary Simpson, when they were both carers. They have now been married for 24 years, have two children, and Mary is Chief Executive of the charity they both love.

Nick Tostdevine, Chair of Trustees at Spectrum, said: “The Trustees recognise and appreciate the long-standing contribution that Robin and Robert have made to Spectrum and all of the individuals they have supported over the past 35 years – we are hopeful that with the length and breadth of their experience supporting autistic people there will be many more years to come. What a fantastic achievement and a whole-hearted thank you from all of the Board of Trustees.”

Spectrum provides residential education and domiciliary care services for autistic adults and children.

When it started, it was known as the Devon and Cornwall Autistic Community Trust and autism was only just becoming recognised.

It had one residential home, at St Erme, near Truro, and six members of staff. Thirty-five years later, it has 25 homes and more than 450 staff, and is now one of mid Cornwall’s biggest employers.

Spectrum estimates more than 400 people have been helped by its support services over the past three decades, which doesn’t include the thousands of individuals it has offered guidance, support and advice to on a daily basis.

What makes Spectrum unique is many of those supported by the charity have stayed within its services for more than 20 years – with several having been there for the entire 35 years. Others have moved onto independent placements within the community, due to the success of Spectrum’s autism specific methods of working.