Spotlight on Matthew: 10 years of dedication to Ategi

As Ategi celebrates 30 years of providing person-centered support, we’re proud to shine a light on individuals who have played a vital role in shaping our organisation. Matthew, who has been with Ategi for 10 years, is one of those people. His journey with us began in 2014, and his passion for supporting people with care needs has only grown stronger over the years.

Inspiration and early days

Matthew was inspired to join Ategi by his father, a support worker himself. Watching his dad engage with people we support (PWS) during activity days showed Matthew just how rewarding this work could be. “I never worked in care before, but seeing the impact my dad had on others, I knew this was something I wanted to do. Even though I lost him, his example stays with me every day.”

From the very start, Matthew threw himself into the challenge. One of his first projects with Ategi was helping to set up Ty Cornel, a therapeutic community (TC) for people living with alcoholism—a project completely new for both him and Ategi. Through this work, he gained valuable experience, including firsthand insight into the realities of addiction. “I lived alongside someone with alcoholism and saw how deeply it affected their life. It taught me that supporting someone means understanding their challenges and working together to help them overcome them.”

A journey of growth

Matthew's role evolved over the years, from working in TC to moving into Shared Lives and later, community support. He thrived in these varied roles, consistently taking a hands-on approach with individuals. “It’s all about asking people how they want to be supported. When you listen and engage, you see real progress.”

One of his most memorable experiences was working with Mark Wyatt, a man with autism whose behaviour and mood improved significantly through consistent support. “Mark was very quiet at first, but over time, he started engaging more, even remembering song lyrics and enjoying Bob Marley. It's moments like these that make this work so rewarding.”

After spending 1.5 years in Shared Lives, Matthew transitioned back to Community Support, where his experience with different support models has been invaluable. His most recent role is Project Lead of the Support Circles, an initiative he feels has addressed a significant gap in community care. “Support circles bring people together and offer the consistent care that’s often missing. It’s incredible to see the positive impact it has on individuals.” Matthew’s passion has always lay in working directly with the people supported and building those relationships. He believes this direct experience is essential in providing high-quality care. “Being hands-on helps me connect with the people I support. I can see what works and where we can do better. It’s all about adapting and finding the best approach for each person.”

Fundraising for Ategi

Matthew’s dedication to Ategi goes beyond his day-to-day work. In a remarkable show of commitment, he recently completed a skydive to raise funds for Ategi. “The skydive was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life! Knowing that I was doing it for a cause close to my heart made it even more special.” His efforts raised funds to support Ategi’s ongoing mission to provide person-centered care.

Looking ahead

As Ategi looks to the future, Matthew reflects on the key to the organisation’s long-term success: communication and adaptability. “We’ve been going strong for 30 years because we listen—to PWS, their families, and our partners. It’s important to always be open to feedback and make sure everyone is heard.” He also believes that Ategi’s commitment to co-production has been central to its achievements. “You can’t assume what someone needs; you have to work with them to find out what works best for them.”

A strong future for Ategi

When asked what will ensure Ategi continues to thrive for the next 30 years, Matthew emphasises the importance of listening and collaboration. “The future of Ategi depends on our ability to communicate—with PWS, families, and other organisations. If we stay focused on the needs of the people we support and adapt when necessary, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.”

“We’ve been going strong for 30 years because we listen—to PWS, their families, and our partners. It’s important to always be open to feedback and make sure everyone is heard.”
- Matthew, Support Circles Project Lead, Ategi