Before having my own individual budget my mum had always
been my only carer and we had no connections with services. I was
getting down on myself and things at home were getting more
difficult and strained.
I had no job or friends and very little contact with the outside
world and I felt very isolated. I like where I live (Bury) but my
parents were leaving the area. l wanted to stay but it meant I
would have nowhere to live.
aunty asked Partners in Policymaking for help. The Partners in
Policymaking course helped show my mum that it was possible for me
to have my own place and live my own life. It really helped me to
get on my feet - find a flat, get furniture, sort out physical
adaptations and deal with some serious financial obstacles. It also
meant my mum and dad could enjoy their own lives more as well.
The key ingredient to living independently was my individual
budget. It was a tricky at the beginning but the self-directed
support team in Bury was brilliant. I used a support broker to
manage my money and with Partners in Policymaking I did a PATH
(planning alternative tomorrows with hope) course and arranged
Carelink for overnight support.
I am now living as independently as I can, in my own place on an
ordinary street with my own personal assistants helping me with my
day to day life. I was able to be fully involved in all the
planning and interviewed my own personal assistants. They are the
same type of age as me and I get on with really well with them.
My whole life has changed. My self-esteem has grown and I
am always out with my personal assistants doing what other
21-year-olds do - meals, gym, shopping, clubs and checking out the
girls!
I work with a number of organisations raising awareness about
personalisation and showing others how self-directed support has
changed my life. I am also one of 12 ambassadors in the UK
who represent young people for the Council For Disabled Children
and I am currently working with ministers to write a manifesto on
change for young people.
I now feel valued as a person. I can use my experiences to help
others. I love my life now. It's different every day! I love
travelling around the country working. It's more than I ever
dreamed of.
Last Updated : 20 January 2011. Page Author: Paul Ferguson.
