Olivia's story 

“My name is Olivia Plenty. I am 24, from Bristol and have Cerebral Palsy.  I have been involved with KIDS since the age of 14. I first found out about KIDS through a leaflet which was posted through my door. I first attended KIDS ‘Participation and Consultation’ group and the rest is history!  I have since attended the KIDS’ youth group and have continued to take part in many consultation projects.

As well as being involved with the Participation and Consultation work I have also received support from the Relationships and Sexuality group (R&S) for four years. The group is a young person led discussion group, where young people can discuss any issues they wish around relationships and sexuality in a safe and casual learning environment. Being part of the R&S group has allowed me to explore issues around relationships and sexuality at my own pace, meet new friends, gain confidence and have fun.
 

I have now become an R&S facilitator through a new KIDS project called ‘Young Facilitators’; an extension of the R&S group.  Young Facilitators offers peer to peer training sessions around relationships and sexuality issues. Being part of Young Facilitators has enabled me to gain further confidence, work as part of a team, use my initiative and support other young disabled people. It has also provided me with an opportunity to speak in the House of Lords on behalf of KIDS as part of an anti-bullying campaign.

Being part of KIDS has increased my confidence and independence massively.  Before becoming involved I found it difficult to socialise with peers, speak confidently and travel independently.  I have had some amazing opportunities throughout the years and I now volunteer in the Bristol office, in order to gain experience within the voluntary sector, a sector in which I would like to work for in the future.  I also like the fact that I can give something back to a charity which helped and supported me hugely.”