I first became aware of Herts PASS when I started to support one of the young apprentices who employed me directly but when she lost her funding Herts PASS employed me as a floating support worker for any of the apprentices that needed support. My role has moved on from this to being involved in a pilot programme to give the skills to young disabled people who want to employ their own care staff/personal assistants. I am involved in the planning, delivering and developing the programme for the future. I mentor the three apprentice employers and I also mentor three apprentice personal assistants that are on placement with Herts PASS.

As a mentor I support the young people with the programme by motivating them with the course work and setting goals that are achievable. Helping the young people to have the right equipment to use and developing ways of working that suits the individual. Talk confidentially about problems they have outside of work, listen to problems they have in work and direct them to the right person to solve the problem.

I have worked in the care industry for over twenty years both in residential settings and out in the community. I have worked with the elderly, people with mental health issues and learning disabilities.

For the future I hope to continue to be involved in developing the young people to become more independent and to be recognised as part of the bigger society.