Isabelle Brant (Issy)

Hi everyone my name is Issy. I have been apart of Changing Young Lives, for nearly 2 years. I do lots of things such as co-chair the My Life My Dreams meeting, which is working on the new Whole of Life service. I love keeping the professionals in check, and sometimes I even get to boss them around!.

I am a paid auditor, and I often go out and check services for young people with a range of disabilities and make sure they are getting the best service.

I meet regularly with Barbara Peacock and Helen Smith to tell her what great work we have been doing and keep them updated.

I have been apart of Take Over day, which is when a young person takes over the job of professional. I took over Janine Browns job, who was, at the time, the Joint Director of Partnership and Commissioning. If you want to see what I got up to have a look!!. My Voice21 Article

Gemma Caffrey

Hiya!. My name is Gemma and I am always busy with Changing Young Lives, when I am not a college! I do a lot of the Right Squad training and last year I was really busy training all the year 11 students at Bristnall Hall.

I love training, and take it in my stride even though I had to train 65 teachers at once!.

The feedback I got was full of positive praise!. I also sit on the My Life My Dreams group, and I represent the views of young people in Sandwell. Sometimes professionals use hard words, so I tell them to put that word in the bin!.

I work all across the borough talking about the work that Changing Young Lives does. I was invited to deliver some training about the history of people with learning disabilities at the SENCO meeting last year, and again this year!.

Last year I was nominated for Connexions Young Achiever award, which was apart of the Sandwell Stars Award 2011. I was a runner up.

I have just leant how to independently use the bus, so there is no stopping me now!

Sarah Bentley

I have been with Changing Young Lives for nearly 6 years and I started as one of the original members of young voices.

I love coming to young voices, and being a champion for young peoples rights!. I also love the pizza and quizzes we have!.

We have done lots of work around employment, health, and developed the Whole of Life Standards. Young voices won an award at the 2011 Sandwell Stars Award.

I am apart of the Quality Crew, which is really enjoyed. I especially like it when providers listen to our recommendations and make the changes happen.

I like auditing the services for young people, as I love little children. I sit on the My Life my dreams group meeting.

I really enjoy this meeting, as I feel that professionals listen to me and are working hard to ensure that people with disabilities are treated as equal citizens.

Samee

Changing Young Lives welcomed Samee in February 2012 as a young leader in the Young Voices network. Both passionate and committed, Samee is an active champion for the rights of young people with disabilities. He attends all the monthly leaders meetings and keeps professionals at Sandwell Council to task!

Colleen Johnson

Colleen has been involved with Changing Young Lives for 3 years, and is an active leader in the Young Voices network. She is reliable, committed and a powerful self-advocate. Colleen is a positive role model to all young people in Sandwell. Colleen champions the rights to equality for all disabled young people. She believes you should see the person first not the disability. Colleen was the one of the young people who developed with her peers the Quality of Life Standards.

Matt Doleman

Matt joined us in 2011 having been involved with a piece of work with us at St Michaels School around Transitions and short breaks. A lively member of young voices Matt is not afraid to speak up for the rights of young people with disabilities. He is reliable and committed to the group. As a stand up comic he always brings an element of fun and laughter to everything he does.