Adam

Adam uses non verbal means of communication.

Ailsa

My favourite colour is purple, that’s what colour I’m using now. I like painting the most, I feel good when people buy the things I make.

Alice

I like listening to music and being with my friends at Changing Perceptions. I love all the different paint colours and like to choose my own.

Amy

I’m 25 and have a real passion for creating anything that involves making artwork. Whenever I have these ideas I’ll always have a go at creating them. I love making (not buying!) and doing things in my own creative way.

It’s been a hard life for me, what I’ve gone through is very rare stuff so I’ve had to fight hard for things. I take 62 tablets a day (sometimes my mum has to remind me) and have done since I was 3 years old. It all started when I had a stroke at 10 months old, from which I lost all movement in my left side. The stroke brought on epilepsy when I was 10, without the stroke I wouldn’t have epilepsy.

I have always looked for similar people who have the same issues and it’s been great to meet and work with so many other similar people at Meath.

My work is getting better and better, and as my mum always says ‘Give it a go Amy’.

Ben

I like painting most of all but now I’m making a crate. I use different tools to make them and finishing a project makes me feel proud.

I like coming because it is fun, before my session I have a latte and a laugh with my friends and then I get to work!

Chris

I like my work, I love my work. I like my sanding and I’m very proud of my work at Changing Perceptions!

Emma

I love it here! It’s sociable and fun, I like to do my sanding and have some banter with the team. I enjoy chatting to customers of all ages and walks of life.

Hannah

I enjoy spending time with my friends at CP, especially Alice. I like chatting to her and making her laugh. Since coming to CP I have learnt to use a saw, paint with chalk paint and ‘distress’ furniture. CP is special to me because it is a happy place.

Kiri

I like painting the furniture, especially chairs. My favourite colour is red. Changing Perceptions is one of my favourite places to be.

The staff are lovely and the atmosphere is happy and relaxed. We sing to the music and chat as we work.

Mandy

My favourite activity is painting at Changing Perceptions and making jewellery. I have 1:1 support but try to do the activities on my own. I feel good when I have painted or made something on my own. I like to saw too, it helps me keep the strength in my left arm. Since coming here I have learnt how to sand and paint furniture and make necklaces and bracelets.

No two weeks are the same, sometimes I am painting furniture and other times I am making crafts. I also like the cheese and onion toasties in the CP cafe and I love their chocolate cake!

Maria

I enjoy working in the CP Cafe, especially with Charlotte. She is hilarious, cheeky and makes work fun. I help to serve customers, clear tables, wash up and use the till.
Since coming to CP my communication skills have improved. I like to chat to people and feel comfortable talking to everyone.

The atmosphere at CP is changeable, depending on who is in. Sometimes it is quiet and relaxing, other times it is noisy and busy. It is always fun though!
In the cafe the cheese scones are delicious and I love their Chai Latte.

I would describe Changing Perceptions as FABULOUS, BRILLIANT and FUN!”

Molly

I get involved with making everything! I up-cycle furniture and have completed my own projects such as my Peacock Chair and my wooden butterfly that I made with Simon. Coming to Changing Perceptions makes me feel happy!

Pepita

I like painting with different colours. We used to do woodwork at home (the Meath) but now it’s nicer because we see different people. Making new friends and meeting people- that’s what I like. I enjoy making things and then I go for a coffee in the café

Richard

It’s nice at Changing Perceptions, nice to see your friends. I like doing woodwork, I do sawing. I like making crates with Simon, sometimes I paint too.

Sharon

I won’t give up even though I’m in and out of hospital all of my life. When I was 11 I had a car accident. I walked out from behind a bus and got hit with a car so I’ve now got a cyst on my brain. Every time I keep moving it’s really difficult.

I’ve had epilepsy since I was 16. It was never easy knowing when a seizure was going to happen – it’s flashing lights that can set it off so now I have to wear sunglasses to the discos. One favourite thing I love drawing is horses as I used to work with show jumping horses. I used to do a lot of horse riding for the disabled, groom the horses and even clear out the stables. I had to get up at 6am every morning but I really enjoyed it!

‘Don’t give up on it!’ said my mum and that’s what I’ve done. I feel like some people understand, but some don’t but I won’t give up.