Ulster Rugby vs Edinburgh

SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE IN CARE

NAME: HAYLEY SHANNON AGE: 19 LIVES: NEWTOWNARDS INCLUDE YOUTH PROJECT: GIVE & TAKE: CORE

#CareDay - 17 TH FEB

"Ive always wanted to help people and i'd like to work with children and eventually become a social worker. I think the experiences I had growing up will mean I can help other young people going through similar stu ." #CAREDAY

I have lived in and out of lots of different children’s homes from I was 13 years old. I got expelled from school in second year, so had to go to an alternative education provider (AEP) to do my Essential Skills.

I enjoyed the AEP because the teachers gave me help and the classes were smaller than school, so I could learn better. When I was 17 I did short courses at college aimed at building my confidence and self-esteem, but gave up when I found out I was pregnant. Now I have my own flat with my son and I really like having a home of my own. My social worker referred me to Give & Take: Core in March 2016 because she knew I could gain more qualifications, get help with childcare and support to find work in the future. Since I’ve been on Give & Take I’ve gained Essential Skills Level 2 in Maths and ICT and I’m studying for my Level 2 in English. I have also learnt about diversity, employability and things like cooking, art and music. I’ve also done first aid qualifications

and I take part in different fitness sessions once a week. I’d like to work with children and eventually become a social worker. I think the experiences I had growing up will mean I can help other young people going through similar stuff. I’ve always wanted to help people, so I am looking forward to doing my work tasters and getting experience in this type of career. I go swimming with my son and I’m getting a gym membership organised, so I can go more often. I’ve never watched a rugby match but I’ve played tag rugby before and was in my primary school team. I was the only girl in the team and we won a few tournaments, it was good. I loved it. Even though all the Ulster players are massive with big shoulders and necks, I could definitely beat them at tag rugby.

42

www. ULSTERRUGBY .com