Carers and young people benefit from transitioning roadshow

Last month carers and young people benefitted from Swindon Borough Council's (SBC) third roadshow 'Transitioning into Adulthood'.

The roadshow is aimed at carers who look after young people with learning and physical disabilities, as well as the children themselves when transitioning from childhood into adulthood from the age of 18.

Ben, 17, who attends Commonweal Sixth Form is applying to university. Paralysed from the neck down, Ben has been facing difficulties with job applications as well as equal opportunities available to him.

He said: "When someone in Swindon sees someone with a disability working it's seen as a big achievement - big whoop. I'm just human.

"I find it really hard finding jobs. My peers can walk into McDonalds and be like 'I'm broke, give me a job', but I can't do that."

Jo Groves, Transition Link Worker at SBC, who liaises weekly with Ben said: "When turning 18 people are expected to take on so much responsibility.

"It's about enabling Ben to not let his disability get in the way, to allow him to have an ordinary life - for him not to stress about his transition. There are starting to become more options available. We need Swindon employers to help enable children, like Ben."

A range of services were on display at the council's Civic Offices providing information and guidance to how they can assist carers, young people, and professionals.

Kay Reeves, Head of Transitions, said: "This is recognition to do transitioning better, and how to best support those transitioning."