Grace House visited Sunderland College to meet with the sixth formers to discuss work experience placements at Grace House which are specifically designed for disabled young people. A group showed some interest, Daniel being one of them. Daniel was excited at the prospect of coming to Grace House, as he had already attended Short Breaks and left when he became too old.

Daniel started the work experience program at Grace House and displayed that he had skills in making posters, typing letters and working on reception. He began to access some of our other services and soon became a regular at Youth Groups and Drama Group.

Daniel has a friendly outgoing personality and grew in confidence during his work experience. At the end of the placement he asked if he could stay with Grace House as a volunteer and in the days he isn’t at College he continues to come in to Grace House. He volunteers on reception, fundraising, admin and now also helps with youth groups setting up rooms and helping with projectors and IT.

Over the last 2 years, he has become part of the Grace House team, growing in confidence, learning new skills and now offering so much support to the team. Due to his time at Grace House and the skills he has developed Daniel has been offered a Work program  although he plans to still volunteer at Grace House due to the relationships he has built.