Alan Walker
Alan Walker (Consultancy & Training) Limited
Your ‘Lived Experience’ session that you have been delivering during my Positive Approaches to Challenging Behaviour course has had such a positive impact. It is often cited by trainees as a highlight of the course.
People really appreciate your open and honest description of what has happened to you. They particular respect your personal reflections about what has happened. Your insights are considered, balanced and from the heart. Trainees are hugely impressed by your ability to answer any questions thoughtfully and articulately. You have not shied away from difficult and personal questions.
Personally, I have seen you progress from our early, tentative, discussions around sharing your experiences, to now witnessing a confident young man who can genuinely give a new perspective to support workers and make a positive difference for people who might find themselves in a situation where Restrictive Physical Interventions might otherwise be used. I know that this was initially why you wanted to do these sessions and you should be extremely proud that you are making a positive difference.
Rachel Stephen
Organisational Consultant/ NCL I-THRIVE Project Lead
We have been working with Ollies Random Acts of Kindness now for several months and have been really impressed with how responsive and able they have been to share their experiences and talk about their creative approach to supporting young people’s mental health.
Their own lived experience of mental health difficulties and unmet need in the education system gives them a unique and relevant perspective.
We asked them to deliver a presentation to a range of professionals who work with CYPF as part of a recent Community of Practice event and they worked with us to develop a presentation with fabulously creative slides which really captivated our audience. Each of them is passionate about their work and this comes across in their delivery. We have asked them to talk again at a national event in November.
Anonymous, I-Thrive Event
"The young people that came were amazing - please pass on our genuine thanks."
Anonymous, I-Thrive Event
"The power of community. Ensuring lived experience and peer support is valued and heard as equally valuable support + expertise throughout the system."
Anonymous, I-Thrive Event
"It was an inspirational day and has given me more confidence within my role to shout louder for youth voice to affect system change and decision makers. Thank you!"