Hello Everyone! Bradley Payne 18 Tyler Payne 16
Brad ● ●
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18 years old Live in Ammanford with Dad, sister, tortoise, 2 chickens & a Conure. Finishing Travel & Tourism + ASDAN courses in 6th Form Starting Entry Level 3/1 Course at Ammanford College in September And I know what you're thinking….
What's a Conure?
Tyler ●
17 Years Old ...almost
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Peer Mentor 3 years
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Just finished First Year of A Level studies in Health & Social Care & Sociology 8 Month Working holiday in NZ July 2015 Start Nursing Degree Feb 2016
Our Story ●
Very Ordinary Family
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Lots to look forward to
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But like many families we've had some bumps & grazes along the way And when we needed some help We were lucky enough to meet the Carmarthenshire Real Opps Team
Difficult Start ●
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I was ill a lot when I was younger ●
Quite a few operations
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Lot of time in hospital
I have a learning delay which means some things take me a little longer I am autistic & dyspraxic But I'd rather people know what I can do not what I can't So here I am public speaking & running a slide show!
I Worry A Lot ● ●
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Mum was ill for a long time I didn't understand what made her ill or how to help. So I worried. I worried a lot about Brad, & wanted to help I worried a lot about Dad who looked after us & had to work too. I worried about school, where I had problems with reading writing & spelling Then Mum died.
Shrinking World ●
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I found it hard to make friends I tried to include Brad with my friends but he wanted his own I went to Cubs & Scouts but found it hard to keep up with the other kids. My After School club shut down. I felt bad going to Brownies, Guides & over my friends when Brad had no-one. I was sad I didn't have friends & things to do I worried about school ...& Dad … & tried to be the Mum of the house Dad worried about EVERYTHING! Then Amanda turned up from Real Opps … like Mary Poppins!!
A Different Approach ●
Amanda talked to us all as individuals
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She listened to me & understood how I felt
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She looked carefully at the dynamics of our family
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Real Opps put together a plan to help me be more independent They involved me from the start. Made me feel that I could really make a difference to my own family & others. Dad felt he had people he could trust … & some personal time of his own The family started looking forward again & our world got bigger.
I Got Involved ● ● ● ● ●
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Travel Training
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Llangrannog
Confidence Building
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Tenby
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Bosheton
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Heatherton
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Oakwood
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Folly Farm
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Surfing
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Football
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Horse Riding
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Climbing
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Go Carting
Tackling Bullying Work Experience Countryside Awareness Participating In Leisure Activities Relationships
● Disco ● Cinema ● Train Trips ● Crafts
I Made Friends
I Got Involved ●
Completed Mentoring & Disability awareness Courses
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Became a Peer Mentor with Real Opps
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Gained Self Confidence
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Received Dyslexia Support
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Set Up A Reading Group for Learning Disabled at school Volunteered at “The Mix” & encouraged friends to become Mentors
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Chaired the school Eco Committee
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Elected to the School Council
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Elected Senior Prefect for 6th Form
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January 2014 Presented with Diana Award in London
Mingled With The Stars ‌ (ish)
At Least It Wasn't A Miley!
Thanks ●
You never know when life is going to trip you up
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Or when you are going to need a little help
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Real Opps has made a big difference to my life
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Real Opps has made a big difference to my life
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Having someone with Learning Difficulties effects the whole family Real Opps understand that. They reminded us to concentrate on what can be achieved, not what can't. They helped us when we needed it most We are so pleased to have this chance to say THANK YOU.