Life after a brain injury
Encephalitis and meningitis caused Emily severe brain injury that left her completely dependent upon carers.
“Aged 17 I had achieved 13 GCSEs, was studying for A levels and hopeful of a University place. I woke up one morning unable to see, by the afternoon I was on a life support machine. Encephalitis and meningitis caused a severe brain injury that left me unable to speak or walk and completely dependent upon carers.
I was lucky enough to go to the Brain Injury centre, where specialist teams helped me to re-learn lost skills where possible, and to develop strategies to compensate for irrecoverable ones. I also resumed my education at the Centre, I took a geography A level and am going to Chichester College, where I will live independently on campus. I have my life back on track again.”
Learning new skills
Faced with bleak work prospects, Steven overcame dyslexia to build a rewarding new career.
“I was working as a kitchen fitter, a job that was neither reliable nor particularly fulfilling. I am dyslexic and my local Disability Employment Advisor at Jobcentre Plus suggested that I retrain. An opportunity arose to join the Media Techniques course at the College.
It was hard work but fascinating, I learnt a lot about film, TV and sound. When I qualified, I asked the Job Club leader what he thought about becoming self-employed – he said ‘great idea’ and sent me off with a draft business plan to fill in!
Once I had looked at the opportunities and costings I established myself doing wedding videos. My business has gone from strength to strength and I am now expanding into family portrait photography. I can truly say that the College changed my life, it gave me the confidence to set up in business which I am enjoying very much.”
My new life-skills
Nicki was born with spina bifida and is a wheelchair user. Nicki had a very happy childhood, growing up with her parents, but on leaving the teenage years behind, wondered what the future would hold.
Her wish, like any other youngster, was to be as independent as possible, to get a job and have a home of her own but Nicki lacked the confidence, vocational and social care skills to achieve these goals. “I love my parents very much and I know that they would do anything for me. But I am not a child any more. They need to live their lives as much as I need to develop mine” said Nicki.
Nicki joined Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation Development Centre when she was 20 years old. Initially, she was given a room in the communal part of the centre where she could share her frustrations and experiences with other disabled clients. Apart from developing her social care and life skills, Nicki decided to attend the Foundation’s Training College and undertook a BTec Course in Office Administration. This was a very challenging commitment, being a full time course, five days a week.
“In the first few weeks I was really scared. I just kept on saying to myself, ‘You cannot do this’ and the more I voiced this thought, the harder it became. However, as I settled into the Development Centre, learnt new skills and made new friends, I grew in confidence and very soon, I was loving the course and there was no stopping me.” Nicki passed her exams with flying colours and the Foundation went on to arrange a variety of work experience to boost her abilities and self-esteem. As she grew in confidence, Nicki moved into one of the Centre’s independent training flats to develop her life skills. Here, she could experience first hand what it would be like to manage her own home while still having the support of on-site staff to assist if needed. Nicki now organises her own care, support and transport, manages her money and plans, shops and cooks all her own meals.
And then came the great news. Social Services had found Nicki a specially adapted flat. Nicki’s reaction? “I cannot wait to move into my new home – just in time for Christmas. Somewhere of my own where I can choose to listen to music, read or have friends and family round for a meal. Now I have my home, next step will be to look for a local job. None of this would have been possible without the support of staff and friends at the Development Centre. They have given me the confidence to take risks and make mistakes – just like anyone else – in the big, wide world.”
In just two years, Nicki has gained the confidence and skills to take control of her own life.
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