After finishing uni in May I didn't really know what I wanted to do, I just knew I didn't really want to work in Science straight away. I needed a change. When I took my brother to a wheelchair rugby ambassador event I got talking to one of the Whizz Kidz co-ordinators and she suggested that I look into volunteering with them. I went home and filled in the volunteering application that evening. I am so passionate about disabilities and making life easier and more positive so this was the perfect opportunity.
I then went to the ambassador club I mentioned in my previous post and got talking again and work placements came up. After spending the day at the ambassador club with the young people I had so much fun and really enjoyed working with them. The thought of doing a work placement in something so fun made me so happy and I was actually excited about work. As a young person (22) who has used a wheelchair since 14-15ish (my memory sucks), I feel like I can offer support and an insight into using a chair from personal experience. I want to help young people build confidence and have fun in something that can be seen by many as a restriction. I mean even my Dr acted as if it was the end of my life when I said it was time for me to use a wheelchair.
The work placement offers the chance to
- Learn new skills & improve current ones
- Meet new people
- Get a better understanding of the world of work and help you decide on your career path
- Enhance your CV
- Increase your confidence and independence
I can already tell that this is the kind of career I am interested in pursuing and it is already improving my confidence as I can be quite shy
I have my first wheelchair skills training this weekend in Swansea (I'll let you know all about it) and I can't wait to see the smile on their faces when their confidence increases and they learn a new skill. They also get to make friends and have fun, what's not to love. I spent today helping to plan all the activities and it's such a fun packed weekend you kind of forget you're learning skills as well.
I also have another wheelchair skills event in Cardiff in July so if you know anyone aged 14-25 who would be interested let me know and I can get you some info.
I wish I had found something like this when I first had to use a chair because it can be scary. You're given a chair with wheels and just expected to get on with it. I didn't really know how to self propel, I had to learn how wide my chair was and how to get through doors and don't even get me started on kerbs. It's been a learning curve and I'm still learning now but I get to share my knowledge and experience & maybe make someone's life a bit easier. Plus I get to do it in a really fun way.
Beth...x
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