A FORMER U’s player has returned to Colchester to create a new care company for people with autism.

After seeing news on the maltreatment of some people with learning disabilities, ex-Colchester United footballer Noel Parkinson began researching ways to improve the lives of people with complex care needs.

He has joined care manager Jane Byford to set up My Life Choice, in a bid to raise standards in the provision of 24/7 care and accommodation.

Former midfielder Noel said: “Sadly, thousands of individuals are moved away from home, sometimes hundreds of miles from family into secure units.

“This has a negative effect on their mental health and general wellbeing, as well as becoming a huge logistical challenge for visiting family members who feel their situation is out of control.

“My Life Choice is actively listening to care customers in order to provide a truly person-centred approach with nurturing support in a safe environment and by working in partnership with housing associations and funding bodies, we can provide the most appropriate care environments to support those aspiring towards an ordinary life.

“I feel passionate about helping improve the lives of people with autism and learning disabilities and I am delighted to be able to return to Colchester where I enjoyed playing at Colchester United.”

Noel began his his career at Ipswich Town, playing on loan at Bristol Rovers and Brentford and later permanently signing for Mansfield Town, Scunthorpe United and Colchester United.

After retiring in 1986, Noel packed away his boots and transferred all the skills he picked up to a successful career in business.

Jane Byford, director of My Life Choice, added: “Our ethos is guided by a moral and professional obligation to make distinct improvements to the current care system and transform the lives of care customers, support their families and champion members of our team.

“It is our aim to reduce the number of people with autism and learning disabilities living in hospitals and secure units, bringing them back to their community where they can participate in everyday activities such as shopping, cooking and socialising, along with the provision of 24/7 support.

“Our strategy focusses on staff training with our positive behaviour practitioner to understand the triggers that cause challenging behaviour.”

Visit www.mylife-choice.co.uk.