Thomas

"When I first started at Treloar’s I was very nervous and anxious to ask for what I needed. After being at Treloar’s a while, it helped me to overcome many obstacles like not relying on just one person, and being good at directing people with my care.

I used to rely just on my mum; after joining I felt more independent about asking for help and finding things out on my own. I was also less nervous to tell my PAs (personal assistants) about what I needed. Treloar’s has also helped me with making new friends as there are many students that have similar disabilities as me. I struggled making friends before. I often felt left out. Treloar’s has helped me overcome this problem, as I have been able to join clubs and go out on community skills. 

I’m a college day student so I go home and come back each day with a taxi. At the moment I’m studying a BTEC in work skills and employability, this is very fun, but a lot of writing and printing work. This gets graded at the end of academic year. We do Maths and English and I want to re-do my Maths GCSE next year.

Every Wednesday I go swimming, normally in the hydro pool as it’s quite warm. I really enjoy swimming as it gives me the best exercise for my condition. Thursday, before I go home, I have a physio session where I use the Innowalk standing machine, or the easy stand stander to work my legs. This helps with circulation for my heart and other parts around the body and is very important for my disability.

The impact that Treloar’s has had on me means I can be more independent, confident and have good self-esteem. I can do many amazing things, like community skills, attending clubs and having swimming time and overcome the many boundaries that I face every day.”