Tenants loves living at Frondeg – and loves photography

“I love it, and I’m getting all the help that I need, which means my parents are happier.”

Those are the words of Amanda, from Pwllheli, who’s been living in Frondeg, our supported living site for just over a year.

Amanda got diagnosed with a brain stem tumour when she was 18 while with the RAF. Over the years the condition and her symptoms grew worse and fundraising helped with costs for therapy and treatment.

Because of her condition, she has problems with movement on the right side of her body, which means she has difficulty with some aspects of everyday life. Nia is the Supported Housing Officer at Frondeg and is there three times a week to help Amanda and all our other tenants with whatever they need.

Amanda said: “Nia makes sure that I get all the adaptions that I need. I’ve got the new electric front door that makes a massive difference, and there are handrails in the corridor. In the kitchen the sink and the cooker go up and down so if I’m standing or sitting down, I can still cook and clean.”

One of Amanda’s passions has been photography. Although she has mobility problems on her right side, Amanda has taught herself how to manoeuvre her hand in a way that she can take photographs with her camera.

“My friend wanted to join a camera club 7 years ago but didn’t want to go on her own so I went with her and absolutely loved it. Soon after that she left, and I stayed on.”

“All these you see here are of Pwllheli plants and wildlife, and the photo of the car I took was parked outside Plas Heli.

“I haven’t really been going out to take pictures recently, so Nia and Gwenda decided to hold a coffee morning where I could show my pictures, and everyone here could come and have a look at them.

“Nia has given me the belief to try again with the photography, and she’s going to be taking me out next week around Pwllheli to take some photographs. It’s good because if I’m out taking pictures and then editing them and then putting them in frames it means I’m not getting bored and it keeps me busy.”