Transcript Document
My Story My name is Mark Smith and was a Chairperson of North Somerset People First People First is an organisation to help people speak up for themselves about what is important for them and campaign for their rights It is run by and for people with learning disabilities This is my story My Past I lived at home with my mum and dad, my younger brother Paul and my older sister Rachel I went to three different schools: Florence Brown, New Fosseway and finally Baytree School in Weston super Mare I went to College when I was 19 to learn work skills and independent living skills When I was 20 I wanted to move on I went to look at Phillip’s House, a residential home in Clevedon, and decided to move there I lived at Phillip’s house for 10 years but I wanted to move on and be more independent I spoke to my social worker, parents, and home manager. Then I moved into my own home in Nailsea with my housemate Richard We rented the house from Redland Housing Association We had support with money, shopping, holidays, bills and my medication Richard and I got on really well Our families got on well We had good neighbours I had more freedom But there were some problems I got into trouble managing my money I moved to Bridgewater where I could get some extra support Where Now! I have sorted out my money problems I moved to the ‘Moving On’ project Monday 4th December Then I moved into my own place again What is the Moving On Project This is a stepping stone to independent living run by the Brandon Trust We can stay at the project for up to 1 year We learnt about budgeting money, all independent living skills and accessing the community Staff at the project helped us to do this Way Ahead I get support 3 days a week – 1 hour a day Volunteer at the church and hair dressers What happens next Staff help individuals to find a place where they can live independently in the community and set up the support they need What have I done I have done three modules of the Empowering Practice course at UWE I have a visiting lecturers contract for UWE and do training for Brandon Trust, Freeways and of course North Somerset People First I was on the Person Centred Planning Steering Group I am also a peer advocate Employment Course – Tuesday’s How did I get involved in People First When I was at College Sue Hatton talked about People First It was about people with learning disabilities knowing what was going on and being able to have a say I wanted to speak up for myself and I’m still doing it now What has this meant for me? I am more independent I am more confident I have been able to speak up for people who do not communicate verbally Any Questions?