We believe in Bradley
From educational despair to styling hair: see how you’re helping Bradley go from strength to strength
Through participation and advocacy projects, our Include Me 2 service helps people like Bradley to become more confident and have their voices heard.
Bradley has been in care and has special needs. Here, Barnardo’s Lancashire's Assistant Director of Children’s Services, Debbie Nolan-Plunkett, chats to him about the support he received.
How old were you when you started at Include Me 2, and what do you remember?
Bradley: Oh, it was a long time ago. I started at about 19 or 20, and everyone was really welcoming. I was very nervous and frustrated back then because people weren’t helping me with my learning difficulties, but here I felt like I was being listened to. There was just this feeling of being comfortable from the start.
How has Include Me 2 helped you with your confidence?
In loads of ways. I’ve gone on lots of trips where I’ve tried out new things and become more secure in myself. I’ve done kayaking, canoeing, water parks, even climbing. I’m terrified of heights, and screamed when I got to the top – but I did it and I loved it.
What do you hope to do in your career?
I’m training at college to be a hairdresser and beautician – and seem to have a lot of characteristics you need for the job. Loud, bubbly, chatty. I’ve got it all, really!
What other challenges have you taken on?
I got my local council to change the age that care leavers pay tax. It was scary to write the letters, but it worked and the age got changed to 25. We actually got an award for it, too!* I also volunteer to interview with social workers, and even got called up on stage for a big Barnardo’s Conference this year. It was amazing.
*In 2017, Bradley and his peers won the ‘Best Campaign’ Award at the British Youth Council’s first ever Youth Voice Star Awards.
Did you know?
- Last year, your belief helped provide employment support and training to over 3,000 young people.