Vitalise

During the easter break, I volenteered at a holiday centre for people with disabilites called 'Skylarks' in Nottingham.

This centre is absolutely fantastic. The people who work there are so admirable. The things that they deal with everyday are so far away from the world in which I live in. It was a real eyeopener and I would recommend that anybody goes there. It changes you so much and you begin to realise what life is actually about.

Also, the reason for this discussion is because my perception of people with disabilities has changed completely. When I first arrived, with no experience at all, I was scared to look. I didn't want to appear as though I was staring but at the same time I was intrigued. You aren't told of the guests disabilities, it's up to them to tell you... if they want to.

The disabilities don't really affect their lives, in terms of, they just get on with what needs to be done but life isn't as easy for them as an abled person. For example, getting up in the morning, getting ready, eating breakfast etc is easy for an abled person... you don't even have to think about it. For somebody, like my guest, who had cerebal palsy, they need assistance. Anyway, by the end of the week I didn't see the disability, I saw a person with a strong personality who needed a little bit of help.

I'm not scared anymore and it's one of the best experiences I have ever had. Truely Inspirational... the experience and the people.