When someone we support seems to have achieved so much in a year, it is hard not to want to celebrate, so we do! This week we are going to turn the spotlight on our Becky.
Becky has lived in one of our supported living houses in Cardiff for a few years, supported by our fantastic Community Living Services team. She has become involved in many activities and opportunities over the years.
Volunteering with Waterloo Walkers
Becky first thought about how much she would like to get out and in the fresh air, combining her desire to be active with her appreciation of the outdoors. She started attending a weekly walking group run by our Participation team, where individuals meet at a designated area each week and go for a walk where they choose.
Becky enjoyed the opportunity to relax and chat with people as she walked and found she enjoyed discovering new parts of Cardiff not accessible by bus or car. It was no surprise that Becky began volunteering for our Waterloo Walkers group, helping to lead and get new people involved.
Becky has many qualities that make her an ideal candidate for this kind of volunteering role. She has a genuine warmth and naturally encourages people to come out of their shells and get involved. She is a reassuring presence to be around when you’re apprehensive about trying something new. Now, we could not imagine the walking group without her!
I know I am easy to talk to, and people like to share and tell me what’s going on with them while we are walking. I spread the word about the group wherever I go and have got new people to join.
Cardiff People First
Becky’s confidence and experience grew, so she became more involved with local volunteer roles and community opportunities. She joined the self-advocacy organisation Cardiff People First. She started being a spokesperson for people’s rights and stood up to celebrate individuality. Soon Becky began to find that people approached her to consider all sorts of ideas.
We feel lucky to have Becky as part of our team
Fiona spoke about what an excellent communicator Becky is and how she brings people together. Not only did Fiona comment on how fun and full of life Becky is but also how she can relate to everyone. Fiona went on to say that there are several exciting opportunities for the new year. These include a paid position on a research project with Cardiff University.
Period education with Cheeky Pants
Involvement with Cardiff People First has recently led to Becky’s first paid employment opportunity within the organisation, becoming a representative for Cheeky Pants.
Becky gives regular presentations to groups, informing them about Cheeky Pant’s reusable period products. She is a natural at this kind of role, effectively showing people products and explaining and encouraging them to try something new.
I am happier and I like helping everyone to understand disabilities, I feel appreciated. I am doing a good job, and everyone supports me to do well. I also believe in the products and enjoy introducing them to everybody.
Love is in the air
All these new activities have led Becky down a romantic path. She met Laurence last year, who could not help but notice her charms. Becky and Laurence do many things together, and he is now a keen Waterloo Walker too! Laurence fully supports all of Becky’s new ventures. The couple are planning to get engaged soon.
The couple has also become active members of our Relationship Group, a weekly social group funded by the National Lottery Community Fund to help inform adults with Learning Disabilities about the positives of healthy relationships.
We have a calendar full of activities that the people we support use to get involved . They are created and run across our Participation and Skills and Wellbeing teams and our sister charity, Skills and Volunteering Cymru.
Becky’s support team has assisted her in looking through our list of activities to find things she would enjoy. We believe they have found the perfect fit for Becky, finding opportunities that bring out her best skills and qualities.
It sounds like 2023 looks exciting for Becky, and we wish her all the best.
Work with us
Join us in helping people like Becky in achieving employment, getting involved in their local communities. See our Careers page for our current career opportunities.
