Month: Aug 2019

Day Trip To Whipsnade Zoo With My Support Worker

life

Recently I went to Whipsnade Zoo with my support worker for the day. We had a lovely day seeing the animals and the weather was lovely too! I enjoyed seeing some of the animals being fed. I was really happy that I got to see a baby zebra as they are one of my favourite animals.

Last year at college I did an adult learning course in Animal Care. I learnt not only about how to care for a range of different animals but about conservation too. So I found it really interesting going to the zoo and learning more about zoo conservation and seeing it put into practice. If you would like to find out more about conservation at Whipsnade Zoo please visit https://www.zsl.org/conservation .

Going to the zoo gave me a fantastic opportunity to do one of my hobbies which is photography of wild animals. Throughout the day I took many photos and I thought I would share some of my favourite shots.

European Brown Bear

African Dwarf Crocodile and Butterfly

Butterfly in the Butterfly House

Flamingos

Foal and Mother (Grey Zebras)

African Elephants

Giraffe Calf

Flamingo

I had a fantastic day at the zoo and can’t wait to go back there soon!

Meet Mango The New Member To Our Family

life

We recently welcomed a new little member to our family. A 4 and a half month old rescue whippet we named Mango. We rescued him from the JR Whippet Rescue. I remember the first photo I got to see of him; I just thought he was so adorable. I was so pleased when I found out that he would be joining the family.

I was so excited for him to join the family I was telling everyone about us getting a new dog. I went to Pets At Home to get him some welcome home toys and more treats.

When the day came to go and collect him from his foster home. I couldn’t believe this day had finally arrived, I would be able to meet him face to face for the first time.

I got together all of his travel essentials for the car journey as it was quite far and he hadn’t been on that longer car journey before. We had his toys, food, water and blanket all in the car ready.

When we arrived and I first saw this little face starring back with these big paws and ears that looked a bit big for his face I knew he was the dog I wanted. His eyes were beautiful a mix of blue,green and brown.

We had some fun playing with his toys and saying hello at the same time. Whilst with his foster home he lived with other dogs so we got to meet them too. The journey back was slow but he was such a good boy.

Now Mango has settled down into our family and our routine. He shares the house with a cat who he wants to play with but the cat couldn’t care less. He loves exploring and saying hello to everyone and everything he meets. He especially likes chasing the butterflies in the garden and also playing with ice cubes on a hot day. He loves to play football and bring you sticks he has found whilst exploring from his adventures.

I am so excited to see him grow and all the amazing memories we will make and of course the adventures. I know Ziggy our previous dog who died earlier this year would be pleased to be his big brother.

If you are thinking or looking for a dog to join your family. I highly recommend whippets after all Ziggy gave us so much love we decided not to get a different breed!

Please visit https://whippetrescue.org.uk to maybe find your new family member. There are so many rescue dogs out there just wanting and waiting to fill your heart with love!

2019 Holiday Photography Portfolio

life

In July I went on holiday with my family on a cruise to Norway, Iceland and Ireland. I had a fantastic time and had so many interesting and incredible photography opportunities throughout the holiday. From the stunning waterfalls to the glaciers and the wildlife.

As some of you may know photography has become not just a hobby for me but has helped me with my on going mental health recovery journey. Photography helps me to ground myself in the hear and now. I also use my photography as a resource for when I am feeling low. Looking back at some wonderful memories that make me smile!

I thought I would share with you some of my photography snaps from my holiday this year.

The Theatre Shed Takes CapeAbility To Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2019

disability

Can you see our poster?

I had an amazing time with my Shed family performing CapeAbility for the last time on this years Shed Tour. It’s been a crazy adventure full of fun and laughter. We have performed the show at local venues, Brighton Open Air Theatre and finally at this years Edinburgh Fringe.

It feels really strange knowing now that we are not performing CapeAbility again. I really enjoyed playing my character Flint who’s superpower is all about encouraging others. I loved exploring the themes of friendship throughout the production and being able to use my own experiences throughout the production as well as being able to express my feelings.

I loved performing the songs in the production. I loved the messages we were trying to show throughout the production by using lyrics, facial expressions and sign language.

I really enjoyed making the audience feel more involved in the show compared to other shows I have done with different companies.

All in all it has been incredible and I can’t wait until our next Tour in 2021!

If you would like to find out more about this amazing inclusive theatre charity please visit https://thetheatreshed.co.uk

Dear Younger Me: The Night Before Results Day

mental health

The night before results day I still remember like it was yesterday. My thoughts in my head racing around at a hundred miles an hour.

Did I put my name on the paper? Did I do the right level paper? Did I answer the right questions? Did I read the questions correctly? What if I don’t get the grades?

With all these thoughts and emotions running wild whilst I was lying in my bed. My heart began to race and I knew I was going into a panic attack. So I tried to do my visualisation techniques I had learnt in therapy.

Throughout my time at school I had never been one of the high achieving students in my year. I found writing hard not only because I found spelling tricky but also making sure my writing was going in a straight line. I did a lot of practicing with writing in my OT sessions. It took me longer to write things down than my peers. I found maths extremely difficult I saw it in a way that not many other people did, I found it so confusing.

Looking back now doing all that revision, opening the first pages of that exam paper, then thinking after the exam if I would pass or not and just hoping I would. This time in my life was so stressful I was with CAMHS and being diagnosed with anxiety and depression let alone the fact I was getting bullied at school the minute got in through the school gates.

That night lying awake in my bed just wanting to know my grades the following day. Counting down the time when I would go to school for the last time pick up an envelope and see these grades staring back at me. I believed that my results had the power to not only change my whole life but dictate it too!

However my family and close friends reminded me that I was more than just some letters on a piece of paper. All those things exams don’t test like the fact I want to help others or that my strengths were outside the school grounds like horse riding. My mum said to me we don’t just need doctors or lawyers everyone has a special skill they can offer to the world however big or small they may seem.

I know it’s terrifying and scary and you may feel like these grades will plan out your whole life. Doing all those practice tests then having to mark them to see if you would have passed an old exam paper. Your grades do not own you and do not have the power to stop you being who you are!

You’re going to be OK . Follow your heart and follow your dreams show the world who you really are because we are all worth more than some letters and numbers on a piece of paper and all have special skills to offer the world!

You’re going to be OK!