Comic Con, Mancaves and Matching

This week Andy and Julie from Storyworks were invited into Darren’s ‘mancave’: a great personalised space he’s carved out for himself where he proudly displays all the ingredients of his good life.  

The first thing that’s obvious is the relationship between him and his personal development worker Paul. The humour, the banter, the shared interests – it really was a great example of the matching process at its best. Paul recalls a day they sat down to watch a film (unbeknownst to both of them they shared a mutual love for it) they quickly realised how much they had in common when they both started reciting the lines off by heart: this was a match made in sci-fi heaven. 

Darren took great delight in regaling us of the practical jokes he loves to play including wearing a JAWS t-shirt on a recent trip to the dentist, and the highlight of the year – his trips to Comic Con. His shelves and display cabinets hold Funko Pops and figures bought from comic shops and arena events. He has another lined up for next month with an early bird pass to avoid the crowds.  

Darren loves gaming – and shows me how he keeps himself and his information safe online – I’ve warned him we will be back to get his tips on camera to share his knowledge with colleagues and friends during Cyber Security Week. He also shares with us what he looks for in his team members – somebody who will take the time to get to know him and share some of his interests.  

We could’ve talked to Darren all day about his love of history, films, gaming and how he likes to explore the world through long walks and trips into Glasgow by train.  

It’s always a privilege to be invited into somebody’s world, there’s so much to learn and share. Every inch of Darren’s ‘mancave’: the gaming setup, the figures, the art, the VIP Jurassic Park Dinosaur Tamer badge, the framed picture of him driving a tank, reflects a part of his life. We loved being invited in and shown around.  

Julie McNeill