Tilly’s Story
Tilly’s Story Tilly’s Journey We are overjoyed to celebrate 14-year-old Tilly, another of our remarkable young clients, who has won the Amazing Achievement Award in the 13-18 age category at the prestigious Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards 2024. Tilly was joined by her family at the star-studded awards ceremony, where she was proudly presented with her award by Jackie Chappel, Director and Founder of Positive OT & Case Management, alongside Annette Broadhead, Clinical Director. Tilly’s journey has not been easy. Diagnosed with Herpes Encephalitis at birth, a severe, life-threatening condition that causes brain inflammation, doctors initially told her parents she would not survive 24 hours or lead a meaningful life. Defying all odds, Tilly has become a perfect example of strength and determination. Support Work In July 2023, Tilly became a client of Positive OT & Case Management, under the expert guidance of case manager Kate Barron. Together with Tilly and her family, Kate developed a comprehensive care plan to outline her short and long-term goals. The plan focuses on promoting Tilly’s independence, enhancing her mental and emotional well-being, and establishing a sustainable support network. Kate’s coordination led to the formation of Tilly’s dedicated multidisciplinary team; a group of professionals instrumental in helping her achieve her goals. Among them was John Strachan, an Independent Special Education Advisor from ECMS Limited, who quickly developed a unique and supportive bond with Tilly. John worked hard to help Tilly access schooling from home and find an educational setting suitable for her needs. It is his support Tilly credits towards her winning the award this year. ‘ASDAN’ Awards With John’s encouragement, Tilly embarked on the ASDAN (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network) programme, which focuses on essential English and maths skills while also allowing her to pursue her interests in hair and beauty, expressive arts, and animal care. Tilly’s hard work has led her to achieve the Bronze, Silver, and Gold ASDAN awards, with her Gold Personal Development Award dedicated to John’s memory. Tragically, he passed away unexpectedly over six months ago while Tilly was part way through the programme. “Tilly’s condition is complex, as her brain injury has left her with hidden disabilities,” shares her mother, Rachel. “Unfortunately, not many people understand acquired brain injuries, but Tilly’s resilience and commitment shine through. I am incredibly proud of her. She gives 100% to everything she does.” Congratulations Tilly Another person who played a pivotal role in enhancing Tilly’s rehabilitation programme is Connie, Tilly’s support worker. Through consistent encouragement and tailored support, Connie has helped Tilly stay motivated and actively involved in her sessions. This increased commitment has greatly boosted Tilly’s confidence in community activities, improving both her communication and emotional regulation skills. As a result, she now expresses herself more clearly in social settings and manages her emotions in public with better self-regulation and resilience. Connie’s support has been key to Tilly’s rehabilitation progress and her integration into the community. Looking to the future, Tilly’s dream is to establish a “mini” farm with small animals, where she hopes to help children overcome their fears of larger animals. Congratulations to Tilly on her well-deserved recognition. Her story is a powerful reminder of what courage, resilience, and an incredible support network can achieve.
Brandon’s Story
Brandon’s Story Trip to London In a heartwarming show of dedication, Team Leader, Louise, and Support Worker, Julie, recently organised an unforgettable four-night trip to London for their client, Brannie. The trip was carefully planned to make sure every detail met Brannie’s needs, from accessible accommodation to smooth travel arrangements. Louise and Julie’s efforts made all the difference, allowing Brannie to fully experience and enjoy the sights and sounds of London. Staying in a specially adapted bungalow in Worcester Park, a location chosen for its convenience and accessibility, the team prioritised Brannie’s comfort and ease of travel. The bungalow was only a 10-minute walk from the train station and came equipped with ample disabled parking. Music Knowing Brannie’s love for music and the theatre, Louise and Julie arranged a special outing to London’s West End, securing front-row seats to Cabaret the Musical. Although they could not take photos during the performance, the memory of Brannie’s radiant smile throughout the show was priceless. Afterwards, three separate theatre goers approached the group, moved by the sheer joy they had witnessed in Brannie’s response to the performance. Planning the trip was not just about booking tickets or accommodation; it involved navigating public transport to make sure every aspect of the journey was accessible. The team found London’s public transport services easy-to-navigate with helpful staff on hand to help if needed. Brannie loved the train rides, a highlight of the experience. The Trip’s Success Apart from the musical, Louise and Julie made sure Brannie had a chance to take in London’s iconic attractions. Together, they explored Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, and Buckingham Palace, making it an amazing experience in the city. Reflecting on the trip’s success, Louise and Julie have already booked for next year, inspired by Brannie’s joy and the smooth coordination of accessible options in London. Their involvement and commitment to Brannie’s well-being, enjoyment, and independence brought the dream of this trip to life and highlighted the importance of dedicated support workers in enriching the lives of those they care for. The team’s efforts and this memorable trip stand as a testament to the profound impact that a caring, attentive support worker team can make, turning aspirations into joyful realities for those they support.
Bradley’s Story
Bradley’s Story Brilliant Bradley We are delighted to announce Bradley won the ‘Amazing Achievement’ award at the recent Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards. After seeing the catastrophic effects of the war on Ukraine, Bradley took it upon himself to start a fund-raising appeal. And the desire to help others didn’t stop there, he then decided to raise money to buy equipment and iPads for his fellow pupils to use at St Giles, the school he attends. Awards Ceremony Bradley was joined at the star-studded awards ceremony by his parents, Rachel and Wayne, who could not have been prouder. Jackie Chappel, director of Positive OT & Case Management, had the pleasure of presenting Bradley with his award. Congratulations Bradley, you really are amazing. Charity Doing it for the kids! We are proud to have been part of last week’s Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards which raised a massive £76,000. The whole evening was full of entertainment, glitz, and glamour. A truly uplifting event celebrating the lives of inspirational children from across the whole of Yorkshire. And we couldn’t have been prouder of our very own Bradley, who won the ‘Amazing Achievement’ award. Just fabulous.
Arrons Story
Arron’s Story Starting the journey On Sunday 1st September, our client Arron and his dedicated support worker Garry embarked on an inspiring seven-day challenge: walking the West Highland Way. This iconic trail spans 96 miles (154 km), stretching from Milngavie, just north of Glasgow, to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. Along the way, walkers are treated to a breathtaking variety of landscapes, from serene countryside parks and loch shores to expansive moorlands and dramatic mountain views. Widely regarded as Scotland’s most famous long-distance walking trail, the West Highland Way is a true test of endurance and determination. Supporting Arron For Arron, this challenge represented much more than physical stamina. Staying away from home and managing the risk of seizures in unfamiliar settings has long been a significant barrier for him. Naturally a “home bird,” Arron often wrestles with self-doubt about his abilities. Since joining Arron as his support worker in March 2020, Garry has played a crucial role in helping him build confidence and break through these personal barriers. The strong bond they have cultivated over the years was evident throughout this incredible journey. Garry’s unwavering support has empowered Arron to step out of his comfort zone and tackle challenges he once thought impossible. Amazing Accomplishment To say we are proud of Arron’s remarkable achievement would be an understatement. Completing the West Highland Way is a testament to his courage and determination. A heartfelt thank you also goes to Garry, whose dedication and encouragement have been instrumental in Arron’s progress and success since 2020. Together, Arron and Garry have shown the extraordinary power of trust, perseverance, and teamwork. Congratulations to both of you – your journey inspires us all!