Since July 2009, I've been volunteering at West Berkshire Mencap for Children's Services. I've regularly attended After School Club, Holiday Playschemes and organised entertainment for Youth Club and Gateway (a club for adults with learning disabilities). The After School Club and Holiday Playscheme sessions involve me being paired 1 to 1 with a child who attends that session. It's my job to make sure that child enjoys themselves! During my time with Children's Services I have had experience with many different conditions, mainly Autism and Down's Syndrome, but also Angelman Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Asperger's and also comorbid conditions, such as Autism and William's Syndrome (a genetic development disorder that often causes learning disorders and is strongly characterised by specific facial features) and developmental delays with severe allergies. A few of the conditions I have had experience with are discussed in separate blogs.
In June 2011, I successfully applied for a job at West Berkshire Mencap. This involved paid work with adults and children and more responsibilities, such as handling medication. The most unfamiliar part of the job was providing 1 to 1 care for adults with learning disabilities in supported living, which includes administering medication and assisting with personal care. Many of the clients I support also regularly displayed challenging behaviours.
My work with West Berkshire Mencap has been immensely rewarding! Although extremely challenging at times, my involvement has been one of the best choices I've made. It's given me a huge experience of disabilities, conditions and interaction with people that I definitely didn't have before. I've always been told that Medicine is an extremely rewarding career, but is also very challenging and hard-going at times, which I feel is a parallel to my work with people with learning disabilities. There are times when things aren't so good, but specific positive moments make up for all the negative ones!
In November, my House Head nominated me for the "West Berkshire Junior Citizen of the Year Award" for my contribution to West Berkshire Mencap. I was amazed when he handed me a letter congratulating me on winning the overall award, mainly due to the fact I wasn't even aware that this award existed, let alone that I'd been nominated!
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