Here Amanda, 24, tells us her own story of her journey to becoming more independent and doing the same things as other young adults
“My name is Amanda.I have learning difficulties and hearing loss. I wear hearing aids and they help me to hear better.
Before I started with Out & About I spent most of my time with my family. I used to go and watch my brother play football and go out for cups of tea with my aunty.
When I started with Out & About I met new friends and I became more independent from mum and dad. I went on shopping trips and went out for meals with Alex, mu volunteer and some other girls and learnt about money.
It made me more grown up and more independent. I used to phone my parents up a lot and ask them if I could buy something. Now I buy something if I want it and if I need it, and my friends and family help me with the money.
Today I’m meeting my friend for lunch in Ipswich and then we’ll go and look round the shops together and then I’ll get the bus home on my own. I couldn’t have done that before Out & About.
I’ve got a season ticket for Ipswich Town and I’m going to meet my friend and go to football with her.
I’m also a volunteer with Out & About now. I used to help with Summer, another service user at Rainbows until she became included and started going without Out & About support. I like to help young people with special needs because I was helped when I was younger. I am happy to help and it gives me confidence to help others. It helps with my independence to help others be more independent. I first helped Amber at Brownies and then when she finished needing help from Out and About I helped Summer at Rainbows. It has helped with my self esteem in being able to give something back which was so worthwhile to me as I really enjoy helping others.”
