Neil's story - Being a full and active member of my local community
Neil's story is told in his own words.
"In 2005 I felt confident enough to put myself forward as Chair of the POhWER Valuing people working group and was elected!
I was Chair for over three years.
I gained a lot of experience and skills during that time, including:
• learning how to speak in front of large groups of people
• how to manage timekeeping for groups
• how to be very organised
• how to arrange transport and support members of the group
• how to keep good records
• how to set an agenda
• how to be a strong representative for a large group of people and their views
• how to control and manage conflict
• how to help make things accessible and easy to understand
• how to support and empower other group representatives
I chose to step down as I had gained so many skills that I wanted to let someone else have a chance.
My confidence had grown and I felt confident enough to apply for a paid job. I now work as a Person Centred Approaches Project Worker for Herts County Council. And last year I also became a Trustee of POhWER!"
This is just one example of how POhWER supports people to be full and active members of their local community.
