Regional SEN Transition to Employment Project Newsletter In this issue
April 2014
Prestigious Diana Award for Tyler Payne Tyler Payne from Carmarthenshire wins courageous citizen Diana award. Commonwealth Baton Relay Carmarthenshire Dean Bonnell carries the commonwealth baton for his school. Autism Hero Awards 2014 Public speaking is a breeze for super confident Gerraint! Confidence Luke O’Neil shares his confidence poster. Hannah’s Experience of Real Opportunities Hannah Buckley shares how Real Opportunities has helped her. Training & Events A list of upcoming project training and events.
Hi, we’re Ffion and Nicole! Welcome to the April edition of our project newsletter. This month we are hosting our Real Party event in Porthcawl, to celebrate the work of the project. In this bumper edition newsletter we have stories from young people about their successes and about how Real Opportunities has helped them achieve their goals. The project has given us loads of confidence to meet friends and independence to go out more. Amy Pole from the Caerphilly team has helped me [Nicole] to catch the bus by myself, and Donna Harris has helped me control my anger through an anger management course. Since I [Ffion] have been with the Real Opportunities team I have gained independence and confidence to go out with friends more and catch a bus on my own. I’m confident to meet new friends and I have worked with amazing people! I [Nicole] met my best friend Ffion on the project. The project helps loads of other young people to achieve their goals and here are some of their stories! Enjoy reading! Ffion and Nicole Project Participants
Providing Real Opportunities for Young People in the Transition to Adulthood
Prestigious
Diana Award
for Tyler Payne By Heike Griffiths
The Diana Award is presented to inspirational or socially active young people who have made a positive difference to the lives of others and their communities. Tyler Payne from Carmarthenshire was one of over a thousand people who were nominated for the Diana Award. The Diana Award does not only recognise young people’s achievements but aims to do three things: It encourages young people for their contribution to their communities, empowers young people to achieve their full potential; and it engages young people in social action to make a difference in the lives of others. There are five categories of Diana Award; Active Campaigner, Anti-bullying Champion, Champion Fundraiser, Champion Volunteer, and Courageous Citizen. Tyler won in Courageous Citizen category, which is awarded to a young person whose courageous approach to life has made a direct impact on the lives of others. A Diana Courageous Citizen could include someone who has cared for family members or friends, overcome personal illness or disability and at the same time has helped others or someone who has turned their life around.
is an ‘outstanding’ peer mentor with the Real Opportunities Transition Group and ‘The Mix’ Learning Disability Youth Club. She has overcome Dyslexia by becoming treasurer of the School Eco Club, a year 12 School Council Rep and running a Reading Club for pupils with learning difficulties. I asked her why she had wanted to become a peer mentor with Real Opportunities, a project she has tirelessly volunteered for up to three times a week, for nearly three years. She replied that her brother Bradley who lives with Learning Disabilities had inspired her to learn more. “I wanted to learn new skills and meet other people with learning disabilities to
This is how Tyler was described in the official programme, alongside six others who won in the same category:
Tyler’s bravery is exceptional. Since losing her mum she has been the cornerstone of support for her learning disabled brother. She
Tyler receiving the award, with Twist and Pulse, and Danny Andre and Sunny Nersian
widen my understanding of disability. I enjoy getting to know new people and understanding them better.” Tyler undertook a three day course in mentoring skills and disability awareness and has gone from strength to strength in giving support to others. Initially, she would come along as the only mentor and mainly support her brother on Real Opportunities days out. Her fondest memory from those early days is a day out in Folly Farm, where Tyler got to meet 7 other mentors from other schools. When talking about that experience she said “it all came together for me on that day, the way the mentoring works, the freedom and independence it gave the young people. It was an epic day, with some hilarious and some ‘hairy’ situations! It is actually that same day which has always stayed in my mind, because I thought it was the best day ever!” Tyler did not stop at that, during the following year she took on a leading role in recruiting and organising a new group of peer mentors in her school, because at this time, she was the only really active mentor in her school, and she used to go and help in the Special Needs Units on her own. She got together quite a big group and proved invaluable in keeping them informed and motivated. She is now volunteering at least twice a week in this unit doing health and beauty and supporting trips out into the community. Tyler now mentors people with profound and multiple needs, some of who are unable to communicate through speech. This is a new challenge which she takes in her stride, by allowing extra time to get to know them and interacting with these young people through activities.
Commonwealth
baton relay carmarthenshire Real Opportunities Participant Dean Bonnell was selected to carry the Commonwealth Baton during the Carmarthenshire Baton Relay when it visited his school in March. The aim of the month long Carmarthenshire event was to inspire the county’s youngsters ahead of the Commonwealth Games this summer. The baton travelled 100 miles in a relay that started on Commonwealth day Schools accross the county organised a host of Commonewealth Games activities which included themed assemblies, displays and competitions. Dean Bonnell, head boy of Heol Goffa School, Llanelli was presented the baton by the baton carrier from Strade School. He said “I had to run with it to the Gym and hand it over in assembly. I said ‘Thank you very much’. Everyone was cheering and clapping. I felt happy. Everyone was laughing and smiling. I think they felt happy, too. Next, the torch went to Coedcae School.’ Dean receives support from the Carmarthenshire Real Opportunities hub team.
Future plans are to do a three week summer school, finish her A Levels next year and then do an eight months work placement in New Zealand, in a medical setting. Then Tyler’s plans are to go to university to study nursing, probably with a focus on disability. I am very proud to have Tyler as one of the mentors; she is an inspiration to all! For more information on the Diana Award, visit www.diana-award.org.uk or to find out more about Real Opportunities, visit www.realopportunities. org.uk/
Dean poses with the Commonwealth Baton
Autism Hero Awards 2014 Last year, Caerphilly participant Gerraint Jones-Griffiths was nominated for an Autism Heroes Award, for Outstanding Personal Achievement. At Holly’s Ball in June, he was awarded second place in this category. Following his huge success, Gerraint was asked to make a speech at the launch of the 2014 Awards. The launch took place on World Autism Awareness Day, 2nd April, at the National Assembly for Wales. The launch was a chance for celebration and awareness raising, with music and a speech from Assembly Member Jeff Cuthbert. Gerraint spoke about his journey, and what the award has meant to him. He ended his speech by reminding the audience that A is not only for Autism but for Achievement as well. A brilliant day all round - well done Gerraint!
Confidence
Gerraint at the Sennedd
Confidence Building Poster. Submitted by Luke O’Neil. Luke completed his confidence poster with support from Sam Oliver, ASD Employment Adviser from the National Autistic Society, working in partnership with Real Opportunities.
Hannah’s time with Real Opportunities Hannah has been working with the Real Opportunities project since October 2013, what she has achieved in this time has been incredible, she has gained the confidence to travel independently , she is now able to use her bank account without support and she has a much clearer understanding of how to be safe when in the community. We are all very proud of her and hope that she continues with these skills when the Real Opportunities project has ended. Well done Hannah!
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Travel Training
Catching the bus independently to Swansea, Bridgend and Port Talbot town. Danielle W helped me to gain the confidence to ask for help when I need to. I have now got a bus pass so now I know I can go where I like without relying on anyone to take me. Designed by Hannah Buckley for the Real Opportunities Newsletter.
employment success Elite supported employment agency provide work based training and work experience for Real Opportunities participants. Here are the stories of Josh, Brandon, Matthew, Kurt and Tyler who have gained paid employment and volunteer work thanks to the support from Elite. Josh Josh has been known to Elite for many years but it was only when he came through on the Real Opportunities Project that he was able to continue his goal of achieving paid employment. This was eventually done with the help of Elite Supported Employment. Josh’s first work experience was at Enterprise Car Rentals. This is where Josh started to show initiative when completing his tasks and received positive feedback from the employer. In addition to this, travel training was given; this meant he was eventually able to travel independently to and from his placement.
Josh has been employed for approximately 6 months and the employer reports confirm that he is doing extremely well and they are really pleased with his work.
His second placement was set up at Merthyr’s Neighbourhood Learning Centre (NLC). This is where he was able to work with other service users and gain experience in bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing, gardening and other general construction skills. It was at the NLC that his confidence grew and he was able to socialise more with his peers and staff working there. He was also able to travel independently to and from his placement after he was given route familiarisation training. With Josh being a keen Merthyr football fan, he was pleased to find out that his final work experience had been set up at Merthyr Town Football Club. The football club was quite close to home; therefore he was able to catch a bus independently due to his previous training. It was here at the football club that he was able to
use some of his skills he had picked up on his previous placements allowing him to assist in the general upkeep and maintenance of the football stadium. With Josh being a regular visitor to the ground, he was familiar with his surroundings and this enabled him to excel with his given tasks. This involved repairing of brickwork, painting, gardening and other maintenance duties. Such was his enthusiasm and initiative that during his 5 week placement the Head Groundsman Colin Boddingham was able to offer Josh a Saturday job. Josh will be assisting him with the general maintenance of the football stadium. Tyler Tyler is a young boy of fifteen years old who lives with his Mother and sisters in Baglan, Port Talbot. Tyler is a student at Ysgol Hendre and has a
learning difficulty. ELITE Supported Employment Agency set up a work experience placement at the RSPCA charity shop in Neath town centre. Tyler is a shy boy who likes to go out with his mum to Neath and Swansea shopping on the bus. Before his placement started Tyler did not travel independently and was very nervous about doing so. Tyler was very apprehensive about catching the bus to his work placement on his first day. As the week progressed Tyler become increasingly confident, not only in his placement but also learning all about safe travel. Tyler said many times how much he enjoyed his placement and looked forward to telling his mother all about his day. Every morning Tyler was by the door and ready to go with no signs of shyness or nerves. Tyler did great in his placement which resulted in Kerry the shop manageress offering him a volunteering job on a Saturday morning. Tyler and his mother were delighted with this and Tyler now travels to and from the shop for his job on a Saturday morning independently. Tyler’s mum Deborah and Store Manager Kerry both made comments on how much more confident Tyler is now and how he has started to come out of his shell. Matthew, Kurt and Brandon. Elite has worked with Vision Products based in
Brandon is now employed as a Production Operator for Vision Products
Tyler serving customer at the RSPCA shop in Neath Pontyclun on an apprenticeship scheme for the last few years. Through this partnership six participants have gained paid employment over the last year, and we are fortunate enough to be able to continue our support with the apprenticeship scheme again this year. We have now set up a further eight work experience placements and Vision Products have offer ed a further six apprenticeships which equates to paid employment for twelve months. Elite are currently under way with four of the work experience placements. The placements have been very successful and three of the four participants have secured apprenticeships which will commence in April 2014. The successful participants are Brandon Harris, who will be a production operator in the assembly department. Matthew Chappell, who will be a shop and administrative assistant in the mobility department, and Kurt Ellis who will be a drivers mate for the despatch department
Training & Events To book onto any of the following training events or seminars or for more information contact the training and information team at realopportunities@learningdisabilitywales.org.uk or on 01639 635650.
Planning for the Future Network
Date: 28th April 2014 Time: 10:00am-1:00pm Venue: Forge Fach Community Resource Centre For: PCP, Familiy Liaison & Independent Living Skills Workers
Mindfulness Masterclass
Date: 29th April 2014 Time: 9:30am - 1:00pm Venue: Port Talbot Resource Centre, Port Talbot For: Project Staff
Introduction to PCP
Date: 1st, 8th and 13th May 2014 Time: 3:30pm-5:00pm Venue: Ysgol Crug Glas, Swansea For: Staff @ Ysgol Crug Glas
Employment and Opportunities Network
Date: 13th May 2014 Time: 10:00am-1:00pm Venue: Forge Fach Community Resource Centre For: Transition Workers, SEAs and Social Enterprise
Introduction to PCP
Date: 22nd May 2014 Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm Venue: Central South Consortium, Nantgarw For: All Welcome
Inclusion Network
Date: 3rd June 2014 Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm Venue: Forge Fach Community Resource Centre For: Youth Inclusion, Peer Mentors & Psychology Support Workers
Real Opportunities Annual Conference Date: 5th June 2014 Time: 9:00am - 4:30pm Venue: St Davids Hotel and Spa Cardiff Bay For: All Welcome
To get your story in the newsletter, or for more information contact Laura Griffiths on 01639 635650 or at realopportunities@learningdisabilitywales.org.uk. Submissions may be edited. Opinions expressed in the Real Opportunities newsletter are not necessarily supported by the project. Printed by 4 Colour Digital Print.