Dom is a full-time wheelchair user, having been born with spina bifida—a condition that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly.
“At around the age of 11, surrounded by my able bodied friends, I hated standing out from everyone else, but I’ve come to terms with it now. It’s all I’ve ever known and I am who I am as a result of my experiences,” he says. “I’m not just someone with a disability. My personality goes deeper than my physical health.”
In 2022, Dom was signposted to YMCA East Surrey’s Step Forward by his local Job Centre and he now attends around three sessions a week. Step Forward offers support and social group activities for young people aged 17-24 with mental health and emotional wellbeing needs. Activities are planned in consultation with attendees and can include anything from sport, fitness and creative projects, plus emotional wellbeing support and advice.
“I’d recently lost a close friend to cancer and I was struggling to find employment,” he explains. “I needed more of a social outlet. I tried other groups but I didn’t quite fit in. The stimulation and interaction I get from the Step Forward sessions is ideal for me.”
“The YMCA Wellbeing Coordinators are absolutely amazing. They strike the perfect balance of being in charge but not afraid to have a laugh. The banter is great. It works perfectly for this group. After all, if they’re having fun, then we’re having fun! It’s not even about what we’re doing.”
“In the winter, I tend to find that my mood dives. Being able to come to Step Forward and keep my mind busy means a lot. Without the sessions, I’d most likely be unhealthy and overweight, spending far too much time on my Xbox.”
Step Forward has secured funding from the Mental Health Investment Fund (MHIF) for the next two years, which will ensure the consistency of the service as well as allowing for expansion to other areas within East Surrey.
Dom, 22, has recently chosen to take part in the YMCA Youth Ambassador scheme, aiming to attend national and international events and act as spokespeople for youth voices within the organisation. Youth Ambassadors are passionate about improving the lives of young people and want to use their experience and knowledge to be the voice for effective, meaningful change.
“I’m just an average guy who’s had an average upbringing. My problems are practical ones and they aren’t exclusive to me. Disability shouldn’t be a taboo topic and I don’t believe in sugar-coating stuff. Ablism is something which needs to be tackled in the same way as sexism and racism. I particularly want to spread awareness of the challenges of using public transport when you have a physical disability.
Dom now volunteers at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton. He is working towards a Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care.
“When you have a physical disability, so many avenues of employment are closed to you. I would love to get a job I enjoy. It’s not about being rich – if you’re wealthy but miserable, who cares?”
“I’d like to work for the YMCA in the future. When you work with young people, you really see the effort and energy you put in pay off.”
YMCA Wellbeing Coordinator, Emily Forey, says:
“Dom’s presence has been a beacon of positivity ever since he first came to Step Forward and he never fails to put a smile on everyone’s face. His incredible resilience shines through in everything he does. His caring personality and unwavering passion for educating others on inclusion and diversity has made a profound impact on us all at Step Forward and we are so lucky to have him.”
“Dom embodies the spirit of Step Forward, inspiring us all to create a more inclusive and understanding world for everyone.”