Growing up and becoming an independent adult is a challenge for every teenager, but some young people need extra help and Barnardo’s Cymru is there to provide it.
The charity’s Independent Living Skills programme supports young people with disabilities to develop the skills they need to take on the adult world.
Those skills include learning to catch a bus or take a train on their own; managing money, handling their emotions, shopping, cooking and looking after a home.
At Ely Family Centre in Cardiff the programme’s Souper Chefs meet every week to make fresh soup and bake their own bread which is then sold to staff and visitors. Not only has it given them skills in the kitchen but helped them learn how to budget and work as a team.
Helping them do it is Sue O’Shea who has been recognised at the national Marsh Trust Awards which highlights the work of exceptional Barnardo’s volunteers across the UK.
Sue, who previously worked with autistic teenagers in a Cardiff high school, gives up her Mondays to support the young people. One of the biggest challenges she set them was creating a full-scale vegetarian buffet for the family centre’s open day.
Sue said: “I love Mondays, my time in Ely is a great start to the week. We have a lot of fun and I enjoy passing on my skills. I’d recommend volunteering to anyone.”
The programme runs across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan and Jackie Vining, Barnardo’s Cymru assistant director, said: “Sue is a wonderful volunteer who has added so much to the young people’s experience.
“The Independent Living Skills programme provides opportunities for young people to master essential life skills and to develop confidence in using them in their daily lives.
“Young people can also try out something they may never have had the confidence or the opportunity to attempt before in a safe and supportive environment. Cooking is particularly popular and we are sure the service could help find the next Jamie Oliver!”
Find out how to volunteer with Barnardo’s Cymru at www.barnardos.org.uk
