1. This year a group of 15 school leavers, all with a range of disabilities,
from across Neath Port Talbot County took part and enrolled in the
COASTAL Summer Scheme.
The purpose of the summer programme was to help young people to
learn about themselves and the world of work and adulthood.
The four week programme was specifically designed to enable young
people to
•
Experience positive risk taking
•
Confidence building
•
Independent life skills that included shopping and cooking
•
Independent travel – using a bus and bike-ability road cycling skills
•
Work placements and production in workshops that offer ‘real work’
experiences, the importance of communication in the work place,
team work and practical hands on experiences
. The young people gave up their time willingly, and attended all
sessions with enthusiasm and excitement. Some even came in on
days off! They have offered to help promote the scheme to future
young people.
2. ‘Best days ever- I learned new skills!’ ‘Thank you for asking me to
come. I have made new friends’
‘Thank you for everything and for inviting me onto the scheme. It
has been a brilliant experience and I have learnt interesting
new skills.’ ‘10/10’
‘I have gained more confidence around people’
‘It was awesome’
‘Thank you for helping me get a job ‘
‘Thank you for supporting me and making me feel more confident ‘
‘I can now travel independently and go where I want ‘
3. ‘Thank you for all you have done with my daughter over the past
few weeks. She has really enjoyed her time with you all. A
fantastic scheme for youngsters. I hope it continues for a long
time and that other youngsters will benefit as my daughter has’.
‘What you are doing with this group of young people is wonderful.
They are often the ones who are least thought of and have the
least opportunities available to them. My son has taken part a
whole range of new exciting, creative and hands on workshops.
He has thoroughly enjoyed everyone, even though he was
anxious and apprehensive to start, he was supported and
encouraged with passion and enthusiasm. He has found his
love of cycling again, gained confidence and is less dependent
on us.
Thank you for everything. This scheme must continue for the
benefit of all disabled young people to allow them to feel they
can achieve the same as everyone else. Thank you’.
“The project has been an amazing success and all the staff would
like to personally thank the families and in particular the young
people involved who all showed commitment, enthusiasm and
passion. They were a joy to work with a showed what untapped
talent and potential they have”. And what a fitting end that one
person was inspired and went on to get a job
We hope that we can continue to learn and build upon the success
project in the future”.
Mike Jones, COASTAL Manager
