OUR PARTICIPANTS' STORIES
james silver
robert bluestone
james silver
"My name is James, I am 31 years old. I joined the Speaking Out Forum because I wanted to gain confidence whilst I was speaking in public, as well as improving my social skills. I particularly enjoyed working with my mentor to put my speech together. It was amazing having people listen to what I had to say and to tell them a bit about mys
"My name is James, I am 31 years old. I joined the Speaking Out Forum because I wanted to gain confidence whilst I was speaking in public, as well as improving my social skills. I particularly enjoyed working with my mentor to put my speech together. It was amazing having people listen to what I had to say and to tell them a bit about myself. The Speaking Out Forum gave me the skills needed to move forward at work as well as socially. I look forward to continuing to improve my speaking in part 2 of the Speaking Out Forum.
Hinal Shah
robert bluestone
james silver
Hinal loves to talk, she likes to support her friends and family. Hinal is very passionate about public transport and the safety for people with Learning Disabilities when accessing these services. Since starting the Speaking Out Forum, she is now more confident speaking in front of audiences. Hinal feels proud and powerful for what she has achieved this far.
robert bluestone
robert bluestone
Leithica Franklin
"My name is Robert Bluestone and I work as an account assistant at a company called Fusion Students. I am also training for the London Marathon. I have been with Speaking Out Forum for 3 years and it's been really fun. With the help of my mentor Marion I have written some great speeches about my running and my job. Speaking Out Forum has
"My name is Robert Bluestone and I work as an account assistant at a company called Fusion Students. I am also training for the London Marathon. I have been with Speaking Out Forum for 3 years and it's been really fun. With the help of my mentor Marion I have written some great speeches about my running and my job. Speaking Out Forum has also given me the confidence to present my speeches to larger audiences."
.jpg/:/cr=t:13.58%25,l:4.21%25,w:17.41%25,h:25.38%25/rs=w:365,h:365,cg:true,m)
Leithica Franklin
Leithica Franklin
Leithica Franklin
"I enjoy Speaking Out Forum, it has helped me with my confidence and allowing people to hear my story. I may have Williams syndrome but I see this as a positive not a negative. We use makaton for most of my speeches which is easier for me to follow."
adam goodman
Leithica Franklin
tamsin d'silva
"My name is Adam. I am 38 years old and have learning difficulties and a deformed left hand. I have found it extremely hard in the past to get a job because of this. Now I have been given a an amazing opportunity to work at 2econd Chance (www.2econdchance.co.uk). This has given me a new sense of purpose and a chance to get on with my life. I feel more worthwhile. Finally I am of use to society."
.jpg/:/cr=t:32.16%25,l:46.92%25,w:22.56%25,h:32.89%25/rs=w:365,h:365,cg:true,m)
tamsin d'silva
Leithica Franklin
tamsin d'silva
Tamsin is a member of Harrow Mencap. As well as having a teaching assistant job, Tamsin loves and practices yoga. Tamsin strongly believes that there should be more jobs available in the workplace to those with physical or learning difficulties. Tamsin has written a poem called, 'when this is over', referring to Covid-19, which will soon be available on Soundcloud.