Life so far has showered me with opportunity. Following secondary education I was rewarded with three brilliant years of partying – ehm, I mean studying – to further my professional development, at university. I then invested a few years doing voluntary work for the Red Cross as a trainer and community worker around first aid and humanitarian work. I gained some valuable insights into life, met some wonderful people and made fantastic friendships. Recently I completed my second degree and moved to Kent to live with my fiancé and take up full-time employment with social services. Looking back I know that the past nine years would not have been possible without direct payments and other funding for personal assistance.

When I was born I came with an instruction book that said I was ‘special’ and to ‘handle with care’. My parents were guided through the pages by the authors – educators, medical and social welfare professionals – who claimed to know what was in my best interest. I too followed the book, which amazingly also told of my future (or lack of one). At first I believed in the book; now I believe in myself. Aged 19, I threw this manual away and began my life. It was the best thing I ever did.

Starting university in Hertfordshire, miles from my home in Wales, I entered an alien world I had only really seen on the TV. I had never seen anyone outside of school or socialised in a pub for example (but I soon got the idea!). Buying my own clothes and shopping for food was a new experience. Items I saw in supermarkets just bowled me over! I’d never had a bank account or written a cheque and had no experience of money. I used to feel incredibly stupid studying the coins in my purse to see what their value was before paying for things. With some creative thinking my social worker came up with 24-hour assistance and a system of cash payments in the absence of any Direct Payments Act. She helped me look into getting a car, guided me through the benefit maze and was a strong advocate.