THE Understand Disability Group, which was set up by the Cardiff and Vale Parents Federation, recently celebrated its 21st anniversary with a big awards ceremony in Cardiff Bay which commended the incredible work and generosity of local people.
The Lord mayor of Cardiff, councillor Margaret Jones together with the Deputy mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan council, councillor Fred Johnson and Maria Battle, Chair of the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board presented the awards.
The winner of the Children’s Category Award was presented to Joe Brady, 13, from Barry. Joe’s mum, Sara Brady, is an approved link carer for Barnardos Community Links, meaning she provides planned overnight and/or day care to disabled young people aged between 0-18 years, giving parents a regular break.
Joe, as an only child, was involved with the fostering assessment process with his mum, prior to her becoming an approved carer for John Humphries (17), an Autistic young man. Sara and Joe have offered John’s family, two nights of respite a month since 2012. During this time, Joe has shown patience, maturity, a good understanding of disability, and a willingness to share his personal possessions and toys with John. He has gone out of his way to help John understand money and recognise coins when out shopping.
Another deserved winner was Melanie Carter, the founder of ValePlus who was presented with the 21st Birthday Lifetime Achievement Award.
Recognising that there was a gap in services for people with learning disabilities in the Vale of Glamorgan, Melanie gave up her teaching career to set up lifelong learning and leisure service in Barry. She re-mortgaged her home to purchase an old chapel which was renovated and set up as a day centre. Today this service has now expanded to include a Charity shop and cafe in Barry, an Outreach service in Llantwit Major and a Saturday/Social workshop scheme. Melanie has been an inspiration to others in the third sector and has been approached by many organisations seeking to set up a similar model elsewhere.
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