I am a volunteer about to start a youth worker's course...
How did I get here? I went to activities and parties being organised by the local Deaf Association Wales youth department. This was at the time I was still in school - I was 15 years old.
I started to go to a Youth club that had been set up by DAW though not every week then I stopped going. Went to college on a catering course, I found this really hard as there was not much support, and at the same time wanted to have my own place.
I was having a few problems sorting this out ... I didn't know where to start.
Then I remembered Deaf Association Wales - maybe they could help me? I started to go there regularly and soon got interested in things.
The Youth Development Manager supported me in finding information, meeting people and just generally offering support during the whole complicated process.
I kept going to the office, met with other Deaf youth and adults and my confidence along with my sign language just grew and grew.
Through the Youth Development Manager, I heard about a camp being organised in Ireland for Deaf youth all over the UK.
I was a bit nervous didn't quite know what to expect, but I had a great time! It was fantastic to see so many Deaf in one place.
At the end of the camp the youth had an election to vote for a representative to represent them on a Forum group. I was elected - I was so excited. But again nervous - what would I have to do?
It was great those of us who were elected met up regularly for forum training, all over the place, so we got to travel and see where we came from, we learned important skills, co-operation, listening, teamwork, and how committees work.
I have also this year been to the WFDC - this is same as above but Deaf youth from all over the world go. This was hard - I had to learn to fundraise and did several sponsored events to pay my way, but the experience was worth it in the end.
I am 19 years old now and started volunteering as a youth worker, working with different committees giving a youth's view on issues being discussed.
I will soon begin my course in Youth work, and I hope supporting youth like me who just needed a little help to get on the right road.
Jade Waters - December 2006
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Lauren Mumford, Beddau
I work in a local store and came into regular contact with a deaf customer. Communicating with her was vey difficult and she inspired me to join a sign language course last year. Needless to say I love it! It is very rewarding and was something that had interested me since a young age. I am an upper 6th form student in a Comprehensive school and was voluntarily working in the school's communication disorder unit. Whilst observing and helping both students and staff, I gained experience of working alongside a Speech and Language Therapist and decided that this was what I wanted to study in University. I have now applied to various Universities for this course but still have a great interest in the deaf community. I've contacted the British Deaf Association (BDA), and hope to devlop my signing skills like Jade Walters. I admire her determination, courage and the work she has done very much. I'm grateful there are people who want to volunteer their time to help others.
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