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| With some of the super young people & staff from St. Hughs Communication and Interaction Speech Centre in Scunthorpe on Day 168 |
Today was really incredible as I
started my day at St Hugh’s Communication and Interaction Specialist College http://www.st-hughs.n-lincs.sch.uk/
St Hugh’s is a special school that serves young people between 11 years of age
and 19 years of age. The students that attend St Hugh’s have a range of
learning difficulties including moderate, severe learning difficulties, autism
spectrum disorders, profound and complex needs and language and communication
difficulties.
The students receive specialised
care to help them reach their fullest potential. The work is done by an amazing
staff and carers that are truly committed to the young people in their care.
They were joyful, happy and an inspiring group of people that are doing such
great work to help the young students progress academically and personally.
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| Walking with young people and staff from the St. Hughs Communication and Interaction Speech Centre in Scunthorpe |
When I meet people that are on
the front lines, working day in and day out to help students aspire to their
highest potential, they really do inspire me. I must admit that I got a bit
choked up and felt quite an emotional connection with the students and staff.
They made my day and I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit
the school, the incredible students and the absolutely amazing staff.
Each of us is an inspiration to
someone else. Thank you to the students and staff for sharing your day with me.
You inspired me more than you will ever know.
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| Listening to staff at St. Hughs Communication and Interaction Speech Centre on Day 168 of my BRIT 2012 mile walk |
I didn’t want to leave, but as I
drove away, it hit me more than ever before that for many of these young
people, the super educational and care services they have received are withdrawn
when they turn 19. I find it very confusing that despite young people being
professionally assessed as having learning difficulties often well below their
actual age which rarely develop fully, families struggle to get similar
services for their children when they reach an age when they can no longer
utilize child services as they are then classed as adults. It is deeply
saddening that just because young people reach 19 in birth years, this no way
means that their mental and in some cases, physical development, matches their
actual age. This cut off of services plunges many families into severe
financial and emotional difficulties; they are left to deal with seeking
support that does match the level of care previously provided. This can result in
families experiencing exhaustion, stress and often depression which have an
impact on them working and also needing their own support from the NHS. This is
an area I am keen to understand in more detail and also the reasons why support
is withdrawn and their children not being given appropriate care and education
that matches their assessed level of understanding and cognitive ability.
When I founded BRIT I wanted to
concentrate on young people between 16-25 years of age. This is a group that
often loses their youth care, and must wait before adult services kicks in.
While waiting they are often at more risk and therefore BRIT will help them
develop and reach the goals they aspire to.
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| With students and staff of Ormiston Maritime Academy on Day 168 of my BRIT 2012 mile walk |
All of this and more was playing
through my head as I drove to my next location, Grimsby. I was met by the
wonderful Humberside Fire Service that came out to support me and gave me a
badge to be sewn on to the BRIT Fire Services Jacket. In addition, there were
young people from The Prince’s Trust that came out to walk. I enjoyed meeting
all them and chatting with them about their goals for the future. My visit was
hosted by Ormiston Maritime Academy http://www.omacademy.co.uk/ a mixed community school
with 1000 students.
Even though the clouds were dark
and looked like it might rain at any moment, the students were eager to support
the Challenge and came out and walked with me. Often students share their
difficulties with me and today was no exception. I won’t share their sorrows,
but as always I hope that listening to them will help in some small way. Of
course, other students shared their hopes and aspirations for the future.
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| Supported by Humberside Fire & Rescue & The Prince's Trust at Ormiston Maritime Academy on Day 168 of my BRIT 2012 mile walk |
As I climbed back in the BRIT
Land Rover, I realized what an incredible day it had been. I continue to learn
new things from the young people, staff and carers that I meet. No two days are
ever the same on the road and I am an inspired and energized by everyone I
meet.
I drove down to Oxford thinking
about my day and then spent a lovely evening with my good friends Soozie and
Adam Dando-Reynolds; both of whom are BRIT Mentors. Soozie was carrying the
Olympic Torch in the morning, and whilst I had to get down to Sussex and wasn’t
able to see her, I wanted to stop by and spend the evening catching up. Soozie
is an exceptionally inspiring lady. In addition to being a former British
Champion and Olympic Gymnast, Soozie has devoted decades to supporting
charities. Her roles include being a Prince’s Trust Ambassador, Vice-President
of The Children’s Trust, Trustee for the Baton Charity and a fundraiser for the
Royal British Legion. On top of all this, Soozie has been a tremendous friend;
not just to me, but to my family and I am so very lucky to have Adam and Soozie
in my life.
Due to the challenge I haven’t
been able to see my friends as often as I would like to, but they are always in
my thoughts.
I ended Day 168 with 910 miles
left.
Best wishes,
Phil