My name is Amy and I am 23 year’s old and live in Milford Haven. In my spare time I play pool for a local league, coach special needs gymnastics, play bocha and bowling, spending time with my family and friends, walk my dog’s, make card’s and do lot’s and lot’s of designing on the computer. I also participate in the Young Voices for Choices Youth Forum and Gennex youth assembly. HAPPY THINGS IN LIFE August 2008 I was chosen to go out to Beijing (China), to take part in the YAP Young Advocates Programme at the Paralympics. September 2007, I was invited to Lisbon in Portugal, as part of a delegation to represent the UK European Development for Special Education. July 2005, I took part in the special Olympics in Glasgow completing in gymnastics. I won gold, silver and bronze. Last year I completed UKCC level one Gymnastics course. I am now a qualified assistant coach. I was only one of three in Wales with a disability who has qualified.

I was at a peer advocacy meeting where Barney and Karen gave an informal talk about what Coast does. After the meeting I discussed Coast with my mum and my youth worker Judith as it seemed a great idea. In February 2010 I was referred by Careers Wales.

I had a meeting with Barney to discuss what I would like to do. As I am interested in Computer’s, graphic’s and design I thought this would be a job I would like to do. Barney went away with my ideas so he could start planning how to get me into that type of job.

In March I started coming to the office to do my work placement. Every Tuesday 2pm till 4pm. My jobs were to create a brochure about Norman Industries and Coast, I also started to create a furniture catalogue. I did this till September.

Circus Skills- I tried having a go on the Stilts, Diablo, Poi and juggling ball’s. My favourite was learning the poi. Taste Buddies- I learnt cooking skills and took home the meals I prepared and cooked. At home I now prepare the veg for family meals.

I applied for a traineeship with Coast, I had to fill in an application form. I attended an interview and was successful. I was offered a paid traineeship because of my successful application.

I started working at Scolton Manor in October where I work for two days a week. I am in charge of re-designing the information in the visitor centre. At the moment I am creating a touch screen powerpoint presentation explaining all about the visitor centre and the Park. It is great learning all about Scolton in the old days and gaining work experience. Whilst at Scolton Manor I am being supported by Helen from Coast. I am also going to be doing an ECDL course to further my skills.

Through Coast I have developed my social and work skills. Being at Coast has given me more confidence and I now feel that I will be able to have a full time paid job in the future. All the staff are very friendly and always helpful. I think my job is going amazing, I am loving it.