Thomas' story

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Our Moving Forward project helps children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities to gain the vital life skills they need to become more independent.

Thomas joined the project when he was 13 to help him increase his social interaction with children his age, and learn valuable life skills.

Thomas’ mum recently sent us a very special letter expressing her gratitude.

She writes, "Dear Barnardo’s, at age 13, Tom was constantly stressed with no coping strategies. ​​​​​He had no friends and no idea how to form friendships. Tom couldn’t do things for himself, and even using public transport on his own was an absolute no! We thought he would never be independent. Thanks to your amazing workshops, support and Tom’s fantastic determination, I now have a wonderful 17-year-old who has friends and social skills. Tom now goes to restaurants and stays for an entire meal, instead of leaving halfway through because of the noise and stress. He has friends who he regularly meets up with and has sleepovers. By far the biggest achievement is that Tom now has job as a kitchen hand at an Irish American diner, and is set to train as a grill chef. My sincere thanks to everyone who’s helped him find his feet. And everyone who supported me and my husband when we were totally broken by the stress of understanding Tom’s needs. We have been totally blown away by his achievements, which have only been possible due to the incredible work of Barnardo’s. We will never be able to repay you for changing all of our lives. Many thanks from all of us."

Did you know?

• Last year, our disability and health services supported over 5,400 children, young people, parents and carers.

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*Names and some identifying details have been changed and models used to protect the privacy of the children we help.