Louis Allais isn’t one to back away from a challenge.
When Louis was two-years-old, doctors told his mother that he would never be able to speak.
But now Louis is 20 and despite having developmental delay which affects his learning, he admits he is “a bit of a chatterbox” and is also bilingual. Then when he was 18, he was also diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma – a type of cancer.
But just over a month ago he was given the two-year all clear.
He has gone through school, come out the other side and volunteered at all kinds of workplaces – from retail shops to a barber, to a baker and charity outlets. But one thing has always eluded him – a proper job.
“The reason why I want to get a job is that I want to learn how to do things and get into the business industry,” Louis says. “I can just try my best, that’s all I can do.”
For his mum Deborah, she just wants to see Louis live as independently as possible.
“For me, everyone has a right to be valued in their community, have their own sense of person and place, I think that’s vital regardless of difficulties.”
But she is frustrated at how difficult it can be in convincing an employer that someone like Louis is a good bet.
“He is punctual and loyal and will turn up every day looking smart and with a smile on his face,” Deborah says.
His carer Sally Chisnall says that Louis is always willing to give anything a go and would be a great addition to any workplace. “He is a great front man and great with people.”
Louis is also eligible for employer funding which subsidises any payment Louis gets. That funding also allows Sally to come along with Louis to show him the ropes of any job so that he gets comfortable.
He has a technical mind and enjoys learning new things. But, despite his challenges, he doesn’t like talking about the past. He says the cancer “haunts his mind” but now he is only focused on the future.
“I need to find a job and just get out into the world,” he says. “I will try my best. It’s a big challenge on the way but can I say no to a challenge? No, I can’t.”
If you can help contact Sally on 0211179696.
